Tech mogul Elon Musk is trending this week after appearing and giving a speech at the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump.
While addressing Trump supporters, Musk hailed the outcome of the November 4 election as no ordinary victory.
It was his assumed gesture that prompted a reaction from crowds, the media, and many on Musk’s very own X platform.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 20, 2025
Thanking everyone for “making it happen”, Musk said it was a crucial fork in the road to human civilization.
Speaking at the Captial One Arean in Washington DC, the billionaire then made a gesture that has many questioning whether it was a deliberate salute or a mere gesture in good faith.
He thumped his right hand on his chest before extending his arm at an upward angle with his palm down and fingers together.
While this sparked online conversations, users on Musk’s very own X brought receipts in the form of other state officials who could also be crucified for using similar gestures.
That is 1000% a Nazi salute being given behind the presidential podium on Inauguration Day (also MLK day) by the richest person on the planet. That moment will live in infamy. pic.twitter.com/dkfVMC5Fpk
— Kahlief “Positivity Peddler” Adams (@KahliefAdams) January 20, 2025
The Tesla CEO who is now going to add the Department of Government Efficiency in the Trump administration under his belt has received criticism for his assumed gesture.
While some defend him, Musk is accused of giving the infamous Sieg Heil salute associated with Adolf Hitler.
Searching on X, we found Jerry Nadler, a Democratic Congressman from New York who said: “I never imagined we would see the day when what appears to be a Heil Hitler salute would be made behind the Presidential seal.”
Elon Musk: “my heart goes out to you”
CNN: “ Elon Musk is a Nazi”.The legacy media is actively and purposefully misleading. Elon Musk never did a Nazi salute. Watch the full video: He simply gestured and said, “Thank you, my heart goes out to you.”
Legacy Media is to news… pic.twitter.com/M92JXLj2uX
— 🎩Laird of the Manor🎩 (@LairdOfTheManor) January 21, 2025
It may be Musk’s shift into politics since he emerged in support of Trump that may have added apparent fuel to the debate.
Was it a salute, or was it not? You decide.