Liberal media accused Elon Musk of giving a "fascist salute" at President Trump's inaugural rally on Monday.
"This is what victory feels like! This is no ordinary victory, this is a fork in the road of human civilization... I just want to say thank you for making this happen, thank you. From my heart to yours," one said an enthusiastic man. Musk, 53, spoke to a cheering MAGA faithful at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. As he spoke, the SpaceX CEO reached out to the crowd and placed his hand on his heart.
CNN hosts Erin Burnett and Kasie Hunt played a clip of the gesture, appearing to suggest that Musk had just performed a Nazi salute.
"This kind of salute is very reminiscent of things we've seen in history," Hunter said.
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WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Tesla, SpaceX and X CEO Elon Musk speaks during the inauguration ceremony at Capital One Arena on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump begins his second term as the 47th President of the United States. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Burnett called Musk's gesture a "weird salute."
"This is not something you typically see at American political rallies," Hunter continued.
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PBS News Hour published a post on X saying the Tesla CEO "made what appeared to be a fascist salute."
Rep. Jerry Nadler posted on
The Jerusalem Post wrote: “US billionaire Elon Musk appeared to pay a Heil Hitler salute at a Trump parade in Washington, D.C., on Monday following Trump’s inauguration.”
In November 2023, the tech billionaire made a highly publicized trip to Israel, where he visited the carnage left behind by Hamas's October 7 terrorist attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was urged to combat anti-Semitism in X during his visit.
Elon Musk speaks at an America PAC town hall on October 26, 2024 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. (Samuel Colum/Getty Images)
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However, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) issued a statement defending Musk, saying he "made an awkward gesture in an emotional moment, not a Nazi salute."
"At this point, all parties should give each other a little grace, even good-natured skepticism, and a breather," the statement said.