Social Media Erupts Over Elon Musk’s Inauguration Gesture: Misstep or Malice?

A video of Elon Musk during the second inauguration of Donald Trump is making headlines. People are comparing his one-hand-on-the-air, wave action to a Nazi salute. 

X CEO Elon Musk who is one of the Trump supporters, got a position in Trump 2.0. This gesture occurred when he was speaking at Capitol One Arena on Monday during the inauguration ceremony. 

In his speech, Musk said, “This was no ordinary victory. This was a fork in the road of human civilization”. He thanked the crowd placing his hand over his heart and extending it outward in a manner that drew sharp criticism.

What is the Response Came from Elon Musk?

After when this incident went viral and people started to criticize Musk openly, he dismissed the accusations by posting a message on his platform, X: “Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is so tired.”

What are the public Response after Elon Musk’s Speech?

After this incident, social media is flooded with reactions and comments. Historians like Ruth Ben-Ghiat and Claire Aubin described this gesture as a “Nazi salute.” 

Some others from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) defended Musk and called this move an “awkward gesture” rather than a deliberate act.

Supporters of Elon Musk talked about Musk’s visit to Auschwitz and Israel last year. Where he went to learn about the Holocaust, saying it was unfair to label him a Nazi.

But as the social media debate goes on people are sharing old images of other leaders like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton making similar gestures that have also appeared adding to the debate.