Elon Musk responds to critics as he’s accused of performing ‘Nazi gesture’ during inauguration celebrations
Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and newly appointed head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has found himself at the center of controversy following his appearance at Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. Musk’s impassioned speech about the future of humanity sparked an uproar when a gesture he made was likened by some to a Nazi salute. The backlash has ignited debates across social media, with critics and supporters clashing over the intent and interpretation of the moment.
The Gesture That Sparked Controversy
Elon Musk at Trump’s inauguration ball. Credit: Christopher Furlong / Getty
The incident occurred during the inauguration celebrations held at the Capital One Arena. Musk delivered a fiery speech about advancing civilization, touching on his vision for humanity’s future on Mars. At one point, he pounded his chest and extended his right arm in an angular motion, declaring he felt it in his “heart.” He later repeated the gesture, turning toward an American flag as the crowd erupted in applause.
The seemingly innocuous action quickly drew criticism online. Some viewers accused Musk of performing a Nazi salute, a gesture historically associated with fascist regimes. Critics, including prominent figures, took to social media to voice their outrage, calling the action “deplorable” and “evocative of troubling imagery from history.”
Social Media Reactions: A Divided Narrative
Social media platforms lit up with heated debates as critics lambasted Musk for his actions. Democratic strategist Sawyer Hackett accused Musk of aligning with authoritarian symbolism, while others suggested the gesture was deliberate. One viral post claimed, “Within hours of Donald Trump taking the oath of office, billionaire Elon Musk gave the Nazi salute during his speech. It was not an accident or a mistake; he did it twice.”
Media personalities also weighed in. CNN anchor Erin Burnett called the gesture “odd-looking,” and co-anchor Kasie Hunt remarked that it was “not something you typically see at American rallies.”
However, defenders of Musk were quick to counter these claims. Some highlighted his neurodivergence, citing that Musk, who has Asperger’s syndrome, might express enthusiasm in unconventional ways. Newsweek’s opinion editor, Batya Ungar-Sargon, tweeted, “This is a man with Aspergers exuberantly throwing his heart to the crowd. We don’t need to invent outrage.”
