At a gathering following the presidential inauguration, Elon Musk made a gesture that was quickly likened to a fascist salute, causing strong debates and reactions from different political groups.
Right after Donald Trump became the 47th president of the United States, Musk spoke to a group of supporters at Capitol One Arena. However, his hand gesture sparked significant controversy.
While expressing his thanks to Trump’s supporters, Musk first placed his hand over his heart and then extended his arm outward with the palm facing down, a movement that appeared similar to a Nazi or Roman military salute. This action resulted in immediate criticism and comparisons to Hitler’s infamous salute.
The situation was further complicated by the fact that right-wing extremists, white nationalists, and neo-Nazis publicly praised Musk’s gesture. Leaders from various hate organizations, including Blood Tribe and NSC-131, disseminated the video on Telegram, interpreting it as an endorsement of their ideology.
In contrast, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) adopted a more lenient perspective, suggesting that Musk’s gesture was merely an awkward expression of enthusiasm rather than a Nazi salute. “It appears that [Elon Musk] made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute,” they stated.
In response, Musk simply remarked, “thanks guys.”
U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez strongly condemned the gesture, criticizing the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) by stating, “To clarify, you are defending a Heil Hitler salute that was executed and reiterated for emphasis and clarity.”
Elon Musk made a significant contribution to Donald Trump’s campaign, with a minimum of $250 million directed towards Trump’s 2024 election efforts. Subsequently, Trump appointed Musk to oversee the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative focused on reducing federal expenditures, which has sparked considerable debate.
This situation underscores the delicate and polarized political environment, where actions can be interpreted and manipulated in various manners, significantly shaping public perception. As the wealthiest individual globally, Musk’s actions are closely monitored, generating considerable impact in both political and social spheres.
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Last Updated on January 21, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
