Penulis In response to recent accusations, Elon Musk has addressed claims that he made a "Nazi salute" during Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony for his second term as President of the United States.
The event, held on Monday, January 20, was marked by Trump’s ambitious promises for the upcoming term. While some attendees focused on First Lady Melania Trump’s bold hat choice and others commented on Vice President J.D. Vance’s daughter’s striking resemblance to him, it was Elon Musk who found himself at the center of online controversy.
Musk, the CEO of Tesla and founder of SpaceX, had been a vocal supporter of Trump’s re-election campaign, leveraging his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), to promote Trump’s agenda. Musk attended the inauguration ceremony at Washington’s Capital One Arena and delivered a speech focused on the future of space exploration, including plans to send humans to Mars and plant the American flag on the Red Planet.
However, during his speech, Musk performed a gesture that sparked widespread debate. He thumped his chest and raised his right arm skyward, a motion directed first toward the audience and then toward the U.S. flag, while expressing gratitude: "Thank you for making it happen. Thank you, my heart goes out to you."
The gesture drew immediate attention for its resemblance to historical salutes, prompting a flurry of reactions online. CNN’s Kasie Hunt described it as "unusual for American rallies" and alluded to "well-known historical references."
On X, users were quick to interpret the gesture, with some accusing the billionaire of making a “Sieg Heil” salute.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a prominent organization dedicated to fighting antisemitism, stepped in to clarify: "It appears that [Musk] made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute. Nevertheless, we understand why people are concerned.
"This is a sensitive period. Political tensions are high, and social media often amplifies the stress. Let’s aim for understanding and grace as we navigate these times, fostering healing and unity in the months ahead."
U.S. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was quick to criticize the ADL’s response, stating, “To be clear, you’re defending a gesture many interpret as a Heil Hitler salute. This undermines your credibility and makes your allegiances clear. Thank you for clarifying this for everyone.”
Musk dismissed Ocasio-Cortez’s comments, saying she had "completely lost her perspective."
Another user on X weighed in, commenting: “Can we stop labeling everyone a Nazi? It’s ineffective, overused, and has lost its shock value. Find new arguments.” Musk responded with a simple “yeah exactly” accompanied by a yawn emoji. He later added, “Honestly, they need more creative criticisms. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ tactic is beyond tiresome.”
The controversy highlights the divisive nature of political discourse and the heightened scrutiny public figures face in today’s charged social and political climate.