Elon Musk’s Nazi-Like Salute Gesture Sparks Outrage in Europe

Elon Musk has ignited a storm of controversy after making a gesture resembling a Nazi salute during an event celebrating the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The incident took place at Washington’s Capital One Arena, where Musk extended a rigid right arm with his palm down, a gesture historically associated with Adolf Hitler and Europe’s fascists.

European Left-Wing Politicians Condemn Musk’s Actions

European left-wing politicians were quick to condemn Musk’s actions. French Member of the European Parliament Manon Aubry, co-chair of The Left group, stated, “Let’s start by keeping things simple, I am sure everyone saw the Nazi salute, I select these words carefully, the Nazi salute of Elon Musk”. German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach also criticized Musk, expressing concern over his proximity to right-wing populists.

It was a nazi salute. You either need glasses or a slap back into reality. Musk is the grandchild of nazis, grew up privileged in an apartheid country and supports the likes of Tommy Robinson who is literally a nazi. Musk knew what he was doing when he did this, and how it looks. pic.twitter.com/t0NgGB4Qi8

— wrathofgods (@wrathofgods888) January 21, 2025

Media and Public Reactions

The gesture has generated a viral and divided response online, with critics attacking Musk for the gesture and supporters minimizing its significance. In Italy, journalist Roberto Saviano condemned Musk, saying, “May you be cursed. The end of all this will be violent. His fall will be equal to that of those to whom it historically refers with this gesture”. In Spain, Labor Minister Yolanda Díaz announced her decision to quit Musk’s social media platform X in response to the gesture, reports Politico.

This is a #Nazi #salute.

There's no way to straighten what is crooked, to justify the unjustifiable and this is crooked and unjustifiable.

Musk knows this. If you don't want to be associated with Nazi's, you do something else, but he did not! pic.twitter.com/FRHZnVMv4q

— 🐉 𝕵𝖔𝖉𝖔𝖈𝖚𝖘 𝖛𝖆𝖓 𝕯𝖊𝖓 𝕭𝖔𝖘𝖈𝖍 (@JodocusDraak) January 20, 2025

Musk’s Defense and Supporters’ Reactions

Musk defended himself online, denouncing the attacks as “dirty tricks” from his opponents. He stated, “The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired”. Supporters of Musk also defended the gesture, attributing it to his autism and claiming it was a misunderstood expression of his feelings

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