Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, is under fire after an arm gesture captured during a livestream of inauguration celebrations has been widely interpreted as resembling a Nazi salute. The incident occurred on January 20, 2025, when Musk shared a contagious moment celebrating Donald Trump’s return to the presidency. Critics have taken to social media, voicing their disdain and condemning the implication of his gesture. One Twitter user remarked, ‘This isn’t just a bad look for Elon; it’s a dangerous precedent for the public image of tech leaders.’ Musk has since responded to the allegations, stating, ‘My arm was raised to wave not salute. The media is sensationalizing a joyful moment.’ Despite this clarification, responses continue to flood in, particularly among political commentators and public figures. Al Jazeera highlighted that Musk’s actions come at a time when right-wing extremism is being scrutinized across America, further intensifying calls for accountability from influential public figures. Supporters, however, argue that the backlash is unwarranted and reflects a broader trend of misuse of social media to misinterpret intentions. The incident adds fuel to ongoing debates surrounding social media influencers, public figure accountability, and the fine line between celebration and condemnation in the political landscape.
Elon Musk Faces Backlash for Controversial Arm Gesture During Trump Inauguration Celebrations
