Billionaire Elon Musk has pushed back against accusations that he made a "Nazi-style salute" during President Donald Trump’s inauguration celebration, dismissing the claims as baseless smears.
On January 20, Musk took the stage at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., where Trump supporters had gathered to celebrate his second-term inauguration. Musk, the world’s richest man, placed his right hand over his heart before extending his arm with an open palm toward the audience, repeating the gesture toward those seated behind him.
"My heart is with you. Thanks to you, the future of civilization is secure," Musk said. The Tesla CEO’s actions quickly drew scrutiny online.
Backlash Over Gesture
Claire Aubin, a historian specializing in fascism in the U.S., suggested Musk’s gesture resembled the "sieg heil" salute used by Nazi Germany. "In my professional opinion, people are correct to trust their eyes," Aubin posted on X, aligning with others who interpreted Musk’s movement as a fascist reference.
"This is beyond comprehension. To see something resembling a Hitler salute performed behind the seal of the President is horrifying," said Representative Jerry Nadler, a Democrat from New York, on X. "This act has no place in our society and belongs in the darkest chapters of human history. I urge my colleagues to stand united in condemning this hateful display for what it is: anti-Semitic."
Musk Responds
Musk dismissed the criticism, claiming detractors were resorting to "dirty tricks" in an attempt to discredit him. "The 'everyone’s Hitler' attack is so tired," he remarked on X.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organization dedicated to combating anti-Semitism, defended Musk on this occasion. "It appears Elon Musk made an awkward gesture in a moment of excitement, not a fascist salute," the ADL said in a statement on X.
Experts Weigh In
Aaron Astor, a historian, echoed the ADL’s view. "I’ve criticized Musk numerous times for enabling far-right elements on his platform," Astor wrote on X. "But this gesture was not a Nazi salute."
Astor suggested Musk’s actions were more a reflection of his social awkwardness. "That’s a socially awkward man with autism saying ‘my heart is with you’ to the crowd," Astor commented. Musk revealed in 2021 that he has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism.
A member of the audience at the event also dismissed the controversy. "Musk is known for being humorous and sarcastic, so I didn’t think much of it," said Brandon Galambos, a 29-year-old pastor and tech worker who attended the event.
Despite the polarized reactions, Musk’s gesture has sparked debates about the thin line between public interpretation and personal intent in highly charged political moments.
(Sources: AFP, Reuters)
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