Elon Musk, billionaire entrepreneur and major donor to President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, faced widespread backlash Monday after making a controversial hand gesture during the inaugural “Presidential Parade” held at Washington’s Capital One Arena.
Musk, who was appointed by Trump to head the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), addressed supporters during the parade shortly after Trump’s swearing-in ceremony. While thanking the crowd for reelecting Trump, Musk grabbed his chest before extending his right arm into the air with an outstretched hand. He repeated the gesture, turned around, and said, “My heart goes out to you.”
The action, which some online compared to a Nazi salute, drew sharp criticism on Musk’s social media platform, X, and other outlets. Critics described the gesture as inappropriate and offensive, while others argued it was taken out of context.
Online Reactions
Several political figures and commentators weighed in:
– Sawyer Hackett, Democratic strategist, on X: “Our new co-president Elon Musk gives a Nazi salute on day one of Trump presidency.”
– Owen Jones, British journalist, on X: “This honestly could not look more like a Nazi salute.”
– Joe Walsh, former Republican congressman, on X: “What. Did. He. Just. Do. At. The. End. Of. This. Seven. Second. Clip?”
– Brian Tyler Cohen, progressive influencer, on X: “Um. What did I just watch?”
Conservative commentator Ian Miles Cheong defended Musk, stating, “CNN implies Elon Musk gave a Roman salute during his speech at the Capitol One Arena. They conveniently left out the part where he says, ‘My heart goes out to you.’”
What’s Next for Musk
As head of DOGE, Musk is expected to play a pivotal role in the Trump administration. Musk responded to the controversy by sharing a video of his full speech on X, stating, “The future is so exciting.”
The White House and representatives for Musk have yet to comment on the incident.
