Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of X (formerly Twitter), faced backlash following a hand gesture he made during President Donald Trump’s inauguration celebration at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on Monday (Jan. 20). Critics argued the gesture resembled a Nazi salute, while others dismissed it as an enthusiastic expression.
In a widely circulated video that spark social media outcry, Musk is seen patting his chest with his right hand before extending his arm with an open palm. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO repeated the motion several times as he addressed the cheering crowd.
According to Reuters, Musk taking the stage to roaring applause, exclaiming “Yesssss,” pumping his arms in excitement. He continued, “This was no ordinary victory. This was a fork in the road of human civilization. This one really mattered. Thank you for making it happen!”
Biting his lip, Musk pounded his chest with his hand, fingers splayed, before extending his arm upward at an angle, palm down. He repeated the gesture while turning to acknowledge the audience behind him. “My heart goes out to you. It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured,” Musk declared, performing the gesture three times during his speech.
Social Media Outcry
Musk’s actions quickly drew intense scrutiny on social media, with many alleging that his gesture resembled the “Sieg Heil” salute—a symbol infamous for its association with Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler.
The Nazi salute remains a deeply controversial gesture, rooted in the dark history of Germany under Adolf Hitler’s regime. This symbol carries significant sensitivity on the international stage.
The gesture, performed by extending the right arm straight forward, was often accompanied by phrases such as “Heil Hitler” or “Sieg Heil.” It became a defining emblem of Nazi power and ideology. Today, its use is banned in many countries due to its association with hate, oppression, and the atrocities of the Nazi era.
According to Al-Jazeera, Jerry Nadler, a Democratic congressman from New York commented Musk’s gesture on social media post. “I never imagined we would see the day when what appears to be a Heil Hitler salute would be made behind the Presidential seal,” Wrorte Nadler on X. “This abhorrent gesture has no place in our society and belongs in the darkest chapters of human history.”
The Israeli newspaper Haaretz also criticized the gesture, describing it as a “Roman salute” commonly linked to fascist regimes.
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Defenders Speak Out
However, some defended Musk, including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organization known for combating anti-Semitism and previously critical of Musk.
“It appears Elon Musk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute,” the ADL wrote on X. “That said, we understand why people are unsettled.”
Several X users also supported Musk, arguing his actions were meant to convey “my heart goes out to you” and criticizing accusations as overblown.
No Direct Response from Musk
Musk has yet to directly address the controversy, though he has remained active on his platform, X. The incident highlights ongoing tensions around symbolism and the potential for misinterpretation in high-profile public events.
(Raidi/Agung)
