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By Aila Slisco
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Tech billionaire Elon Musk is facing online backlash after making an eyebrow-raising hand gesture at an Inauguration Day event for President Donald Trump.
Why It Matters
Musk, the world's richest man, participated in Monday's inaugural festivities in Washington, D.C. A close ally to Trump and the largest donor to his successful 2024 presidential campaign, Musk has also been tapped by the president to lead the newly-created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
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What To Know
Musk spoke briefly to a crowd of Trump supporters gathered for an indoor "Presidential Parade" at Washington's Capital One Arena shortly after the swearing-in ceremony on Monday.
After telling the audience "thank you" for reelecting Trump, Musk appeared to grab his chest and then forcefully extended his right arm fully into the air with an outstretched straight hand while making a grunting noise. He then turned around and repeated the gesture before touching his chest again and telling the crowd, "My heart goes out to you."
Watch the full clip below:
The gesture quickly sparked criticism online, including on Musk's social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), with some users suggesting that it resembled a salute associated with Nazi Germany.
Newsweek reached out to X via email for comment on Monday.
What People Are Saying
The Anti-Defamation League said 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. 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 edge."
The post went on: "In this moment, all sides should give one another a bit of grace, perhaps even the benefit of the doubt, and take a breath. This is a new beginning. Let's hope for healing and work toward unity in the months and years ahead."
Democratic strategist Sawyer Hackett said on X: "Our new co-president Elon Musk gives a Nazi salute on day one of Trump presidency."
British journalist Owen Jones said on X: "This honestly could not look more like a Nazi salute."
Progressive pundit Emma Vigeland said on X: "Subtle!"
Art Candee, a Chicago-based artist and frequent Trump critic, said on X: "Remember when Democrats called MAGA rallies 'Nazi rallies?' President un-elect Elon Musk just did the Nazi Sieg Heil salute. We were right. Absolutely vile."
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Former Republican congressman Joe Walsh, commenting on the moment, said on X: "What. Did. He. Just. Do. At. The. End. Of. This. Seven. Second. Clip?"
Progressive influencer Brian Tyler Cohen said on X: **"**Um. What did I just watch?"
Ian Miles Cheong, a conservative political commentator from Malaysia who largely focuses on American politics, said on X: "CNN implies Elon Musk gave a Roman salute during his speech at the Capitol [sic] one arena. They conveniently left out the part where he says, 'My heart goes out to you,' immediately after."
What Happens Next
As the head of DOGE, Musk is expected to serve in a key role during the second Trump administration. While sharing a clip of his full "Presidential Parade" speech to X on Monday, an enthusiastic Musk wrote that "the future is so exciting."
Update 1/20/25, 5:47 and 6:53 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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