Elon Musk Faces Backlash Over Controversial Gesture During Trump Inauguration Event
Tech billionaire Elon Musk is under fire after making a hand gesture during celebrations for Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States that many have criticized as resembling a Nazi salute. The moment, captured during Musk’s address at the event, has sparked widespread debate and backlash online.
The Incident
Speaking at the inauguration, Musk praised Trump’s recent electoral victory, calling it “no ordinary triumph.” However, a specific gesture he made during his remarks drew criticism, with some commentators comparing it to a Roman salute, a motion historically associated with fascist regimes, including Nazi Germany.
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British journalist Owen Jones criticized the action on social media platform X, saying, “This honestly could not look more like a Nazi salute.” Similarly, Israeli newspaper Haaretz described the gesture as evoking troubling historical parallels.
ADL Defends Musk
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organization that combats anti-Semitism and hate, defended Musk, dismissing the allegations as an “awkward moment of enthusiasm.”
In a post on X, the ADL stated:
“In this moment, all sides should give one another a bit of grace, perhaps even the benefit of the doubt, and take a breath. This is a new beginning. Let’s hope for healing and work toward unity in the months and years ahead.”
Musk’s Political Shift
This controversy adds to the scrutiny surrounding Musk’s recent political alignment. Once viewed as politically moderate, Musk has increasingly shown support for right-wing figures. He publicly endorsed Trump, who narrowly survived an assassination attempt in July, and recently hosted Alice Weidel, leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, in a live discussion on X. Musk’s endorsement of the AfD during Germany’s national elections in February also drew criticism from liberal quarters.
Public Reaction
Efforts to obtain comments from Musk’s legal representatives and his companies have been unsuccessful. Critics argue that the incident reflects growing concerns about Musk’s political leanings, while others urge restraint in jumping to conclusions.
The incident highlights the challenges of navigating the intersection of politics, public perception, and social media in today’s highly polarized digital age.
