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Elon Musk Sparks Controversy with Salute Gesture at Trump Inauguration Rally

Tech billionaire and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has ignited controversy after making what some described as fascist-style salutes during Donald Trump’s inauguration rally in Washington on January 19, 2025. The gestures, captured on video and widely circulated online, have sparked debates across social media and among political commentators.
@dailymail Elon Musk has sparked debate online after taking the stage at an inaugural event and making this gesture. 🎥 Reuters #news #politics #elonmusk #trump
What Happened?
Speaking at the Capital One Arena ahead of Trump’s second-term inauguration, Musk addressed the crowd with remarks celebrating the event’s significance. At one point, he struck his chest with an open hand before raising his right arm in an upward diagonal gesture. This movement, repeated shortly after, was interpreted by some observers as resembling the Nazi salute.
While addressing the audience, Musk praised Trump supporters for their role in securing the future of the country. He referenced space exploration, saying, “We’re gonna take ‘Doge’ to Mars,” a nod to his ongoing federal cost-cutting initiatives under Trump’s administration.
Social Media Outcry
Reactions on social media were swift and polarized. Critics, including Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a historian specializing in fascism, described the gesture as a “Nazi salute” and labeled it “belligerent.” Prominent voices like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez condemned the move, questioning organizations like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for their leniency.
The ADL, while acknowledging public concerns, suggested Musk’s gesture may have been misinterpreted as an “awkward moment of enthusiasm.” However, their response received backlash for downplaying the incident’s significance.
@dennis.fang #creatorsearchinsights What is this “Roman salute” Elon musk just made on stage?
Musk’s Reaction
In typical fashion, Musk dismissed criticism by reposting memes about the incident and engaging with supporters who found humor in the controversy. His response, which included dismissive comments and emojis, further inflamed critics who accused him of trivializing historical sensitivities.
Expert Commentary
Historians and political analysts have weighed in on the controversy, with some drawing parallels between Musk’s actions and the ongoing normalization of far-right ideologies in political discourse. Meanwhile, far-right groups celebrated the moment, regardless of Musk’s intentions, highlighting the divisive impact of the incident.
A Divisive Figure
This event adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding Musk, whose engagements with far-right figures and provocative public statements have made headlines in recent years.
Final Thoughts
As the debate continues, Elon Musk’s actions at Trump’s inauguration rally serve as a stark reminder of the power of public gestures and their ability to stir emotions and controversy. Whether intentional or not, Musk’s salute has reignited conversations about historical symbols, political polarization, and accountability in the public sphere.
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