Elon Musk’s Controversial Gestures at Trump Inauguration Spark Backlash
In a moment that has sparked heated debate and controversy, Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and a key figure in Donald Trump’s new administration, made a gesture during a post-inauguration rally that has been interpreted by some as a Roman salute, a symbol associated with Nazi ideology.
Musk’s motion, in which he pressed his palm against his chest before extending a stiff right hand with his palm down, drew strong reactions. While some argue that it was just an act of thanks, far-right extremists have pounced on the event, finding it as a symbol of white nationalist beliefs.
Extremists Embrace the Gesture
Neo-Nazi groups and far-right figures took to social media platforms like Telegram and X (formerly Twitter) to share the clip of Musk’s gesture with enthusiastic commentary. Notable reactions include:
Christopher Pohlhaus, leader of the neo-Nazi group Blood Tribe, shared the clip with a lightning-bolt emoji, writing, “I don’t care if this was a mistake. I’m going to enjoy the tears over it.”
Christopher Hood, founder of the New England race-separatist group NSC-131, posted the video with emojis suggesting celebration.
Andrew Torba, founder of the far-right platform Gab, captioned the clip: “Incredible things are happening already lmao.”
Thomas Sewell, an Australia-based neo-Nazi, referred to it as a “Donald Trump White Power moment.”
Additionally, groups like the Proud Boys’ Ohio chapter and White Lives Matter used the moment to amplify their narratives, with posts praising Musk and Trump.
Musk’s Role in the Trump Administration
Elon Musk has had an important effect on Trump’s government. After investing hundreds of millions of dollars in Trump’s re-election campaign, Musk has been charged with managing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), another effort to reduce federal expense.
During Trump’s inauguration speech, Musk’s vision of colonizing Mars was included as part of America’s “manifest destiny.”
Explaining the Gesture
Alternative explanations for Musk’s gesture suggest it could be attributed to his socially awkward demeanour. Musk himself accompanied the gesture with the words, “My heart goes out to you,” seemingly expressing gratitude to the crowd.
But Elon Musk history of controversial conduct raises the problem. He has previously worked for far-right groups in Europe, including the German AfD party, and reinstated banned white nationalist profiles on X under the guise of free speech. Musk also posted memes associated with alt-right movements, which confused the distinction between innocence and reason.
Public Reaction
While radicals praised the rule, opponents and monitoring groups raised worries over its effects. Some believe that it reflects Musk’s ongoing shift toward far-right ideas, while others urge for accountability in addressing the usage of such symbols in public discourse.
As the case takes place, Elon Musk actions and beliefs show a growing number of radical views in popular culture.
