Elon Musk sparked intense controversy on Monday when he delivered what appeared to be two fascist-style salutes during a rally in Washington to celebrate Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration. Speaking before the crowd at the Capital One Arena, the tech billionaire and Trump adviser thanked supporters for making the president’s reelection possible, slapping his right hand to his chest and extending his arm upward in a manner some observers compared to the Nazi salute.
Social media erupted after historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat labeled the gesture “a Nazi salute,” though the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a civil rights organization that focuses on combating antisemitism, later issued a statement calling it an “awkward gesture,” urging all sides to “take a breath.” Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized the ADL’s response, accusing it of defending a blatantly fascist symbol. Musk responded by alleging she suffered from “Stage 5 [Trump Derangement Syndrome].”
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Historian of fascism here. That was a Nazi salute – and a very belligerent one too https://t.co/PB9sFCVJGA [2]
— Ruth Ben-Ghiat (@ruthbenghiat) January 20, 2025 [3]
Newly sworn-in President Trump, meanwhile, prepared to appear onstage for an inaugural parade moved indoors due to frigid weather. Elsewhere in his remarks, Musk invoked a vision of American astronauts planting the flag on Mars, echoing Trump’s campaign pledge to rejuvenate the space program.
Far-right figures seized on the controversy, praising Musk’s salutes on social media and claiming they reflected solidarity with extreme views. Musk’s ongoing engagement with hard-right groups and his platforming of far-right European politicians has amplified scrutiny of the billionaire’s political leanings. For now, Musk has not directly addressed critics’ allegations, other than endorsing memes joking about his onstage gestures.