Tech mogul Elon Musk found himself at the center of a heated debate after a hand gesture he made during Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration ceremony drew comparisons to a Nazi salute.
The event celebrated Trump’s recent swearing-in as the 47th President of the United States.
While addressing the gathering, Musk praised Trump’s victory as a remarkable achievement and commended the administration’s ambitious plans.
However, one moment during his speech quickly gained attention online, with critics accusing him of mimicking a fascist gesture.
“This undeniably resembles a Nazi salute,” remarked British journalist Owen Jones on the social media platform X. The sentiment was echoed by numerous commentators, amplifying the backlash.
Israeli publication Haaretz also weighed in, suggesting the motion resembled a “Roman salute,” historically tied to fascist regimes, including Nazi Germany.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organization dedicated to combating anti-Semitism, defended Musk, dismissing the allegations as an overreaction to an “awkward moment.”
In a statement shared on X, the ADL urged for calm: “Let’s extend grace and understanding as this new administration begins. It’s a time for healing and unity.”
Efforts to obtain a comment from Musk’s legal team and his companies were unsuccessful, according to Al Jazeera.
This incident comes as Musk faces increased scrutiny for his evolving political stance. Once known for his centrist views, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO has recently aligned with right-wing politics. Musk publicly supported Trump’s campaign and endorsed Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party earlier this year, hosting its leader Alice Weidel in a live discussion on his platform X.
While critics question Musk’s affiliations, others caution against jumping to conclusions. The controversy highlights the complex intersection of politics, public perception, and digital media in todDay’s polarized world.
