Elon Musk Addresses Controversy Over Hand Gesture During Trump Inaugural Speech
The incident has ignited a heated debate online regarding the implications of public gestures by influential figures and their potential interpretations within today's polarized political climate.

Elon Musk has sparked significant controversy following his appearance at Donald Trump’s inauguration celebration, where he made hand gestures that many interpreted as resembling a Nazi salute.
During his speech at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Musk expressed gratitude to Trump supporters and emphasized the importance of the election outcome, describing it as a “fork in the road of human civilization”.
Musk’s gesture involved striking his chest with an open hand before extending his arm upward with a flat palm, an action he repeated while addressing the audience and a U.S. flag behind him.
This motion led to immediate backlash on social media, with critics accusing him of performing a fascist salute reminiscent of the “Sieg Heil” gesture associated with Adolf Hitler.
Notably, CNN anchors commented that the gesture was “evocative of things that we have seen through history” and not typical of American rallies.
In response to the accusations, Musk dismissed them as part of a broader campaign against him, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Frankly, they need better dirty tricks,” and added, “The “everyone is Hitler” attack is sooo tired 😴.”
Frankly, they need better dirty tricks.
The “everyone is Hitler” attack is sooo tired 😴 https://t.co/9fIqS5mWA0— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 21, 2025
The Tesla CEO went on to share the post from X user The Rabbit Hole @TheRabbitHole84, who Musk follows, stating that the salute hoax was part of a “dirty tricks campaign.”
On the other hand, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) weighed in, suggesting that while Musk’s gesture appeared awkward, it was not intended as a Nazi salute, urging for grace and understanding in interpreting his actions.
The incident has ignited a heated debate online regarding the implications of public gestures by influential figures and their potential interpretations within today’s polarized political climate.
While some defended Musk, arguing that the gesture was unintentional or misinterpreted, others highlighted its historical connotations and questioned his political affiliations, especially given his recent support for far-right figures in Europe.