Bill Burr criticizes Elon Musk over controversial salute and questions lack of public backlash

Bill Burr calls out Elon Musk’s controversial gesture and slams liberals for moving on too quickly.

Comedian Bill Burr has questioned Elon Musk’s continued public influence following a controversial gesture during President Trump’s inauguration. The moment, which some interpreted as a Nazi salute, drew backlash — but not nearly enough, according to Burr.

In an interview on The Breakfast Club (via The Daily Beast), Burr expressed disbelief that Musk “still has a job” after the gesture. “What I don’t get is the amount of veterans, people in the armed services, that died to stop Hitler,” he said. “Then this guy comes in and does that [salute]... none of it tracks.” Burr pointed out the contradiction of Musk’s status as an immigrant with the nationalist tone of his supporters. “How you can be like, ‘Support the troops, America love it or leave it,’ and then this guy gives a shoutout to Hitler?”

Burr clarified that his criticism wasn’t aimed at any political party, but he found liberals’ response particularly toothless. “I’m not trashing Republicans. All Republicans did not Sieg Heil,” he said. “That guy did, and I was just amazed that all liberals had was one day of outrage. Then they’re like, ‘Oh, I guess that didn’t work.’ And we kind of just move on.”

Speaking on NPR’s Fresh Air, Burr also criticized Musk’s growing influence, calling him an “idiot” with “dyed hair plugs and a laminated face.” He mocked liberals again, saying, “They have no teeth whatsoever,” and ridiculed those who threatened to leave the country over Musk’s behavior. “Why are we so afraid of this guy who can’t fight his way out of a wet paper bag?”

As Burr continues promoting his new Hulu comedy special Drop Dead Years, his remarks have reignited discussions about celebrity accountability, political outrage fatigue, and the evolving role of public figures in shaping discourse.