Elon Musk’s controversial gesture at Trump’s inauguration rally has drawn sharp criticism and stirred widespread speculation online.
Musk’s Actions at the Inauguration
Musk thumped his chest and extended his right arm forward, palm down, repeating the action twice during the rally.
Some critics called it an intentional reference to fascist salutes, while others dismissed it as an emotional, spontaneous act.
Historians interviewed by Euronews rejected claims that Musk deliberately mimicked the infamous Nazi salute.
Historical Context of the Salute
The so-called Roman salute was popularized by Mussolini’s fascist regime in the 20th century, though its roots are misattributed to ancient Rome.
It was later adopted by Nazi Germany as a sign of allegiance to Adolf Hitler.
In the US, the Pledge of Allegiance originally featured the “Bellamy salute,” resembling the Nazi gesture, but Congress replaced it in 1942.
Modern Usage of the Salute
The Nazi salute remains illegal in many European countries, including Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
Neo-fascist groups continue using it, with some events showing militants performing the gesture during rallies.
In Italy, courts ruled that the salute is only a crime if it threatens public order or promotes fascist ideologies.
Reaction from Far-Right Groups
Musk’s gesture, intentional or not, has fueled excitement among neo-Nazi groups worldwide.
White supremacist group White Lives Matter praised Musk’s gesture on Telegram, while other extremists celebrated the incident online.
Andrew Torba, founder of Gab, shared Musk’s image, calling it a sign of hope for far-right movements.
Prominent Holocaust denier Evan Kilgore also celebrated Musk’s gesture, posting on X: “We are so back.”
Trump’s Controversial Stance
President Trump defended pardoning those convicted of attacking police officers during the Capitol riots in January 2021.
He refused to dismiss giving extremist groups like Proud Boys and Oath Keepers a platform in US politics.
Trump’s executive order this week granted clemency to far-right militia members jailed for their roles in the Capitol attacks.
