Elon Musk has stirred controversy with a gesture he made during a speech celebrating Donald Trump’s inauguration. While addressing a crowd at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Musk expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you for making it happen.” He then placed his right hand over his heart and extended the same arm straight ahead, repeating the motion for those sitting behind him. This act was met with swift backlash on social media, with many likening it to a Nazi salute.
Social Media Outrage
The reaction on X, the social media platform Musk owns, was immediate. Critics condemned the gesture as a Nazi salute, with historian Claire Aubin calling it a “sieg heil.” “My professional opinion is that you’re all right; you should believe your eyes.” Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a history professor at New York University, echoed this sentiment, calling it “a Nazi salute and a very belligerent one too.”
Further fueling the controversy, Andrea Stroppa, a close associate of Musk who has ties with Italy’s far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, posted a clip of Musk with the caption, “Roman Empire is back starting from Roman salute.” This reference to the Roman salute, popularized by Benito Mussolini’s Fascist Party and later adopted by Adolf Hitler, heightened concerns regarding Musk’s gesture. Stroppa later deleted the post and claimed the gesture was merely Musk expressing his feelings, emphasizing, “ELON DISLIKES EXTREMISTS!”
Musk’s Response
In response to the backlash, Musk took to X, dismissing the criticism as tired tactics. He wrote, “Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired.” Musk attempted to downplay the significance of his gesture, stating, “My heart goes out to you. It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured.”
Shifting Political Landscape
This incident occurs against the backdrop of Musk’s increasingly right-leaning political stance. He has supported Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and Britain’s anti-immigration party, Reform UK. The gesture has raised questions about the implications of his political alignment and how it may influence his public persona.
Global Reactions
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressed the situation during a press conference at the World Economic Forum, responding to comparisons of Musk’s gesture to a Nazi salute. “We have the freedom of speech in Europe and in Germany,” he stated. However, he emphasized that supporting extreme right positions would not be tolerated.
Despite the backlash, some, including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), have defended Musk. The ADL tweeted, “It seems that Elon Musk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute.”
Conclusion
The incident at the Trump rally has sparked intense debate about Musk’s intentions and the implications of his gestures in a politically charged environment. As a prominent figure with substantial influence, Musk’s actions are scrutinized through the lens of political affiliation and social responsibility. While some view the gesture as a misinterpretation, others see it as a troubling sign of his shifting political landscape and the potential normalization of extremist sentiments. As Musk continues navigating his relationship with politics and public perception, this incident will likely remain a topic of discussion in the coming days.
