Elon Musk accused of Nazi salute gesture during Trump inaugural speech

Musk faced backlash after being accused of Nazi salute gesture during his speech at Trump's inauguration celebrations.

Tech mogul Elon Musk faced backlash after making hand gestures resembling a Nazi salute during a speech celebrating Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration. 

Speaking to Trump supporters hours after his inauguration as the 47th US president on Monday, Musk called the election outcome “no ordinary victory.”

Musk described the moment as “a fork in the road of human civilization” and emphasized its importance, thanking the crowd for making it happen.

 

 

 

 

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Afterward, Musk hit his chest with his right hand before extending his arm upward with his palm down and fingers together.

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency under Trump, repeated the gesture while facing the crowd. 

This drew immediate criticism online, with some accusing Musk of performing a Nazi salute, with British commentator Owen Jones pointing out the similarity.

The gesture also attracted attention from Israeli media, with Haaretz comparing it to a “Roman salute,” a fascist gesture tied to Nazi Germany.

Others, however, defended Musk, including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which suggested the billionaire had made an “awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm” and not a Nazi salute.

“In this moment, all sides should give one another a bit of grace, perhaps even the benefit of the doubt, and take a breath,” the ADL posted. 

Musk’s political views have shifted right in recent years, notably after he supported Trump following an assassination attempt against the president in July.

Earlier this month, Musk hosted Alice Weidel, leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany, for a conversation on his social media platform X after endorsing her party’s national elections.