Elon Musk recently found himself embroiled in controversy following his appearance at Donald Trump’s post-inauguration rally in Washington, D.C. The billionaire entrepreneur, known for leading Tesla, SpaceX, and X, sparked intense debate over a series of gestures that some critics interpreted as fascist-style salutes. As Musk took the stage at the Capital One Arena, he greeted the enthusiastic crowd with dramatic flair, raising his arms in celebration and expressing gratitude to Trump supporters. During his speech, he emphasized a return to “basic stuff,” such as secure borders, fiscal responsibility, and a renewed focus on space exploration, including an ambitious vision of planting the U.S. flag on Mars. However, it wasn’t his words that drew widespread attention, but rather his physical gestures.
WTF was this Musk salute? 👀 pic.twitter.com/ZFbAZfQToT
— ₿uckerino (@Buckerino) January 20, 2025
Twice during his speech, Musk pounded his chest with his right hand and extended his arm outward in a manner reminiscent of the Roman salute, which has historical ties to Nazi Germany. This sparked immediate backlash across social media, with critics accusing Musk of making a fascist symbol. Prominent voices, such as public health expert Eric Feigl-Ding, expressed shock, while media outlets like Haaretz and Rolling Stone highlighted the controversy. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which monitors hate symbols, describes the Nazi salute as an outstretched arm with a downward-facing palm, often associated with chants of “Heil Hitler.” While Musk did not accompany his gestures with such chants, the resemblance was enough to generate significant concern.
Social media quickly erupted, with some far-right groups celebrating the incident. Extremist voices on platforms like Telegram and Gab praised Musk’s actions, interpreting them as a potential signal of alignment. Musk, however, has not directly addressed the controversy but did retweet footage of the rally, including the contentious moments. This isn’t the first time Musk’s actions have drawn scrutiny. Recently, he hosted Alice Weidel, the leader of the far-right German party Alternative für Deutschland, for a discussion on X. During the conversation, Musk appeared to agree with Weidel’s controversial assertion that Adolf Hitler was a “communist, socialist guy.”
Supporters of Musk argue that his gestures were likely misunderstood and part of his eccentric style, as described by The Daily Beast, which noted his celebratory dance and fist pumps during the event. Yet critics remain concerned about the potential normalization of extremist rhetoric, especially given Musk’s growing influence within the MAGA movement and his close alignment with controversial figures. Whether the gestures were a case of theatrics or something more deliberate, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about the responsibilities of high-profile individuals in shaping public discourse.
As Musk continues to navigate his dual roles as a tech visionary and a politically provocative figure, the scrutiny surrounding his actions serves as a reminder of the power and impact of symbolism. This latest controversy highlights the fine line between personal expression and public accountability for influential figures, ensuring that Musk’s every move will remain a subject of intense global attention.
Here is the full video posted by Telegraph:
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