**Historian claims Musk’s gesture resembles a Nazi salute, sparking further debate.**
**Musk Faces Controversy Over Arm Gesture During Trump Rally**
**Musk Faces Controversy Over Arm Gesture During Trump Rally**
**Elon Musk's gesture at Trump’s inauguration rally ignites social media outrage.**
Elon Musk has come under fire for a seemingly controversial arm gesture made while addressing a post-inauguration rally for Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. After thanking attendees for their support, Musk placed his hand over his heart and extended the same arm forward, which many observers have likened to a Nazi salute.
Critics took to X, the platform owned by Musk, to express their disapproval. One historian specializing in Nazism in the U.S., Claire Aubin, stated, “My professional opinion is that you're all right, you should believe your eyes,” referring to those who interpreted the gesture as a reference to Nazi symbolism. Professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat, an expert on fascism at New York University, reiterated this stance, labeling it a "belligerent" salute.
In a defensive response on X, Musk suggested that criticisms regarding the gesture were misleading, claiming, "Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The 'everyone is Hitler' attack is sooo tired." Musk, known as the world's wealthiest individual and an ally of President Trump, expressed heartfelt sentiments toward the audience during the controversial moment.
The gesture drew immediate backlash on social media platforms, prompting defenders of Musk, including the Anti-Defamation League, to remark, "It seems that Elon Musk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute."
Italian media sources reported that Andrea Stroppa, a close associate of Musk who previously amplified the rally footage, later acknowledged the misinterpretation of the gesture, suggesting it was meant as a benign expression of affection rather than any political statement.
As Musk’s political stance continues shifting toward the right, he has publicly supported far-right parties in Germany and the United Kingdom. The ramifications of that alignment have raised questions about the implications of his public appearances and gestures.
Amidst this discussion, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was asked about the comparison to a Nazi salute, reinforcing that Europe values freedom of speech but does not accept the promotion of extreme right ideologies.
Musk’s role as one of Trump’s closest allies has further cemented his place at the intersection of technology and contentious political dialogues in America.
Critics took to X, the platform owned by Musk, to express their disapproval. One historian specializing in Nazism in the U.S., Claire Aubin, stated, “My professional opinion is that you're all right, you should believe your eyes,” referring to those who interpreted the gesture as a reference to Nazi symbolism. Professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat, an expert on fascism at New York University, reiterated this stance, labeling it a "belligerent" salute.
In a defensive response on X, Musk suggested that criticisms regarding the gesture were misleading, claiming, "Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The 'everyone is Hitler' attack is sooo tired." Musk, known as the world's wealthiest individual and an ally of President Trump, expressed heartfelt sentiments toward the audience during the controversial moment.
The gesture drew immediate backlash on social media platforms, prompting defenders of Musk, including the Anti-Defamation League, to remark, "It seems that Elon Musk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute."
Italian media sources reported that Andrea Stroppa, a close associate of Musk who previously amplified the rally footage, later acknowledged the misinterpretation of the gesture, suggesting it was meant as a benign expression of affection rather than any political statement.
As Musk’s political stance continues shifting toward the right, he has publicly supported far-right parties in Germany and the United Kingdom. The ramifications of that alignment have raised questions about the implications of his public appearances and gestures.
Amidst this discussion, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was asked about the comparison to a Nazi salute, reinforcing that Europe values freedom of speech but does not accept the promotion of extreme right ideologies.
Musk’s role as one of Trump’s closest allies has further cemented his place at the intersection of technology and contentious political dialogues in America.
