- Elon Musk accused of making nazi salute at Trump rally
- Musk denies claims saying opponents are using ‘dirty tricks’
- ADL defended Musk saying it was an ‘awkward gesture’
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez blasted the ADL’s reaction
Elon Musk faces backlash over controversial gesture at Trump rally
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is under fire after making a gesture at a rally celebrating President Donald Trump’s return to office. Critics have likened the movement to a “Nazi salute.”
The event took place at Washington’s Capital One Arena, where Musk thanked Trump supporters. While addressing the crowd, he tapped his chest with his right hand and extended his arm with an open palm, repeating the motion for those seated behind him.
Claire Aubin, a historian specialising in Nazism in the U.S., described the gesture as resembling a “sieg heil.”
The incident has sparked widespread criticism online, with many calling for Musk to clarify his intent.
Musk took to Twitter to say his opponents needed “better dirty tricks.”
“The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired,” he said.
The Anti Defamation League (ADL), an organisation founded to combat anti-Semitism which has criticised Musk in the past, defended his actions this time around.
“It seems that Elon Musk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute,” the organization said in a statement posted on X.
This is a delicate moment. It’s a new day and yet so many are on edge. Our politics are inflamed, and social media only adds to the anxiety.
— ADL (@ADL) January 20, 2025
It seems that @elonmusk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute, but again, we appreciate that people are on…
Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez blasted the ADL’s reaction, saying on X: “Just to be clear, you are defending a Heil Hitler salute that was performed and repeated for emphasis and clarity.”