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By Flynn Nicholls
US News Reporter
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Elon Musk has responded to allegations that he performed a Nazi salute at President Donald Trump's inauguration, calling it a "dirty trick" by his critics.
Musk addressed the controversy on his platform X (formerly Twitter) Monday night, replying to a user: "Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The 'everyone is Hitler' attack is sooo tired."
Newsweek has contacted Musk via an email to Tesla for comment.
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Why It Matters
Musk, the world's richest man and a close ally of Trump, has become a polarizing figure in U.S. politics. He has used his X platform to push far-right political movements globally.
The gesture has sparked widespread backlash online, with critics accusing Musk of mimicking a Nazi salute. Even if unintentional, the optics of the moment have fueled controversy.
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What is the Roman Salute?
The Roman salute involves extending a straight arm forward with fingers together and palm facing down. It was allegedly used in ancient Rome, although no Roman text describes it. It became widely associated with Nazi Germany in the 20th century.
History of Roman Salute: What Has It Been Used to Represent?
The gesture was popularized in the 18th and 19th centuries through artworks and theatrical performances, depicting Romans using the salute as an alleged customary greeting. The Neoclassical art movement of this period used the salute as a symbol or Roman virtues like civic duty, honor, and patriotism
During the 20th century, it was adopted by Italian fascists and by the German Nazi Party, both of which co-opted several other pieces of Roman and Neoclassical symbolism for their ethno-nationalist causes.
It became a symbol of Adolf Hitler's authoritarian regime, where citizens and military personnel were required to do the salute and say "Heil Hitler" or "Sieg Heil," (meaning hail Hitler or hail victory).
Since World War II, it has been widely recognized as a symbol of fascism and white supremacy. Performing the salute is illegal in Germany, Austria, and Slovakia, and its use is legally restricted in many other countries including the United Kingdom and Canada.
Elon Musk at Trump Inauguration 2025
Musk featured prominently at Trump's second inauguration on Monday in Washington, D.C, including sitting alongside other tech billionaires at the swearing in ceremony.
At the Presidential Parade at Capital One Arena, Musk gave a speech where he thanked supporters for reelecting Trump and expressed his enthusiasm for the administration's goals.
During his speech, Musk said: "I just want to say thank you for making it happen, thank you." He then pumped his hand against his chest, extended his straightened arm upward toward the crowd, with his fingers outstretched and palm facing downward.
Immediately after, he said, "my heart goes out to you. It's because of you that the future of civilization is assured."
The clip of the gesture was posted to X Monday by @Acyn, a senior digital editor for the liberal news site MeidasTouch, garnering 777,400 views by Tuesday morning.
The action was met with immediate criticism online, with some accusing Musk of mimicking a Nazi salute.
What Has Elon Musk Said?
Elon Musk, on X, in response to critics: "Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The 'everyone is Hitler' attack is sooo tired."
The Anti-Defamation League, on X: "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."
Elon Musk, during his speech at the parade: "I just want to say thank you. Thank you for making it happen. [Musk performs the gesture]. My heart goes out to you. It's because of you that the future of civilization is assured."
What Are Elon Musk's Critics Saying?
Democratic strategist Sawyer Hackett, on X: "Our new copresident Elon Musk gives a Nazi salute on day one of Trump presidency."
British journalist Owen Jones, on X: "This honestly could not look more like a Nazi salute."
Progressive pundit Emma Vigeland, on X: "Subtle!"
What Happens Next
As the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, Musk is expected to play a pivotal role in reshaping federal bureaucracy. While sharing a clip of his full "Presidential Parade" speech to X on Monday, an enthusiastic Musk wrote that "the future is so exciting."
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