Tech mogul Elon Musk stirred controversy on Monday after a hand gesture he made during the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States drew comparisons to a Nazi salute.
Critics and commentators, including British journalist Owen Jones, quickly took to social media to condemn the action, with Jones calling it “indistinguishable from a Nazi salute” on the platform X.
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Israeli newspaper Haaretz also weighed in, describing Musk’s gesture as resembling a “Roman salute,” historically associated with fascist regimes like Nazi Germany. The moment overshadowed Musk’s speech at the event, where he praised Trump’s November 4 electoral victory as “extraordinary” and applauded the administration’s future plans.
ADL Steps In to Defend Musk
Amid mounting criticism, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a leading anti-Semitism watchdog, came to Musk’s defense, characterizing the gesture as an unintentional expression of enthusiasm. The ADL issued a statement on X, urging people to “show grace and give the benefit of the doubt” during this new chapter for the U.S., emphasizing the need for healing and unity.
Musk’s legal team and companies declined to comment on the incident, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Scrutiny Over Musk’s Political Leanings
The controversy comes as Musk faces increasing attention for his perceived shift in political ideology. Known for his moderate stance in the past, the Tesla CEO has taken a noticeably conservative turn, publicly endorsing Trump after the Republican leader survived an assassination attempt in July.
Earlier this month, Musk hosted Alice Weidel, head of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, in a live discussion on his social media platform X. His endorsement of the AfD during Germany’s February elections drew significant criticism from liberal groups in the country.
The incident has further polarized opinions about Musk, with some questioning his political associations and others urging caution against jumping to conclusions. It also highlights the challenges of navigating public perception in the digital era, where political actions are subject to widespread scrutiny and debate.
