Did Elon Musk Make a Nazi Gesture at Trump's Inauguration?
Donald Trump with Elon Musk and Tulsi Gabbard, 2024. Photo courtesy of the Office of Speaker Mike Johnson. Public domain.
Did Elon Musk's excitement at Donald Trump's inauguration cross the line? When the billionaire took the stage as the 47th president's supporter, a chest slap and arm gesture ignited an internet firestorm. Some claimed it was an innocent moment of enthusiasm, while others labeled it a Nazi salute. The incident has since fueled a fierce debate online. Here's what people are saying, from Musk's defenders to his harshest critics.
The Gesture That Sparked Controversy
The controversy began when Musk, in an apparent moment of exhilaration, slapped his chest and extended his arm upward. Clips of the moment spread quickly across social media, with many questioning the gesture's resemblance to the infamous "Sieg Heil" salute used in Nazi Germany, as reported by the New York Post. Critics pointed to Musk's repeated motions, claiming they emphasized intent. Videos and screenshots circulated widely, accompanied by polarized commentary on whether the gesture was deliberate or misinterpreted.
Musk responded to the accusations on social media, describing them as political smears and dismissing the gesture as a moment of awkward enthusiasm. "The radical leftists are really upset that they had to take time out of their busy day praising Hamas to call me a Nazi," Musk wrote in response to the allegations on X (formerly Twitter), as reported by the New York Post.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) also weighed in, stating that while the gesture bore a resemblance to a Nazi salute, it was unlikely to have been intentional, as reported by BuzzFeed.
What His Ex Had to Say
Elon Musk's ex-partner, Grimes, found herself drawn into the conversation as fans and detractors alike demanded her perspective. On social media, she expressed frustration at being associated with Musk's controversies, emphasizing that she was not responsible for his actions, as reported by BuzzFeed.
What Celebrities Are Involved?
Podcaster Joe Rogan defended Musk, suggesting that the accusations were exaggerated and politically motivated. On his platform, Rogan argued that such claims diminish genuine concerns about extremism. As reported by the New York Post, Rogan said, "This is why they want to conflate and they always want to pretend that everyone's Hitler. The problem with that, after a while, it's crying wolf, and people are like, 'Oh, this is a bulls–t game you're playing and you're just using it as an excuse.'"
In response to the backlash, Musk reportedly shared two doctored images of Swift on X, which depicted her with an arm raised in a way that could be misinterpreted as a Nazi salute. These images were allegedly used to downplay or mock the accusations against him, as captions on the posts implied comparisons between Swift and the Nazi youth, as reported by UNILAD. However, fans pointed out that the original image was from 2014 when Swift was blowing a kiss to the crowd, and it had been flipped to mimic the gesture in question.
How Neo-Nazis Responded
Extremist groups, particularly neo-Nazis, reportedly celebrated the gesture, interpreting it as validation of their ideology, as reported by Black Enterprise. Investigative reports indicated that far-right forums and commentators embraced the moment as a symbolic act. This reaction, more than anything else, raised concerns among advocacy groups and observers about the broader implications of such gestures in a politically charged atmosphere.
What World Leaders and Experts Say
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Musk, rejecting claims that the gesture had malicious intent. Netanyahu emphasized Musk's support for Israel and highlighted his visit to the country after a terrorist attack in October 2023 saying, "Elon is a great friend of Israel," as reported by the New York Post. Meanwhile, historians and experts on Nazi Germany noted that while the gesture's resemblance to a "Sieg Heil" was troubling, there was no concrete evidence to suggest Musk's intent was aligned with Nazi ideology.
The Bigger Picture: A Divided Public
The debate over Musk's alleged Nazi salute reflects the broader polarization of American society. To Musk's defenders, the incident is another example of overreach by critics eager to vilify public figures. To his detractors, it serves as a reminder of how even small actions can carry significant weight in a charged political climate.
So, did Elon Musk perform a Nazi salute? The answer largely depends on perspective. While some see an innocent moment of enthusiasm, others interpret it as a troubling misstep. Regardless of intent, the incident highlights the challenges of navigating public perception in the digital age.
References: Elon Musk performs bizarre 'Hitler salute' at Trump inauguration rally | Joe Rogan responds to liberals who accused Elon Musk of making Nazi salute at Trump rally | Elon Musk Performs Alleged Hitler Salute At Trump Rally, Neo-Nazis Are Thrilled | Netanyahu defends Elon Musk against allegations that he made a Nazi salute at Trump rally | Elon Musk Was Accused Of Doing A Nazi Salute At Trump's Inauguration, And Here's How His Ex Grimes Responded | Elon Musk drags Taylor Swift into controversy after he was accused of giving 'Nazi salute' at Trump rally
