Elon Musk Addresses Backlash over Controversial ‘Nazi Salute’ at Trump’s Inauguration

Elon Musk
Elon Musk screenshot

*Elon Musk addressed the backlash over a one-arm gesture he made during a speech celebrating Donald Trump’s inauguration.*

We reported earlier that Musk, the world’s richest man and CEO of Tesla, ignited a fierce debate following a televised event at Capitol One Arena in Washington, DC. During a speech at Trump’s presidential inauguration, Musk made a gesture that liberal media and social media users interpreted as resembling a Nazi salute, specifically the “Sieg Heil.” 

“My professional opinion is that you’re all right, you should believe your eyes,” historian Claire Aubin said on X about those who believed Musk’s gesture to be an overt reference to Nazis, per BBC. The phrase “Sieg Heil,” which means “Hail to Victory,” is closely associated with Nazi ideology. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a history professor at New York University, said Musk’s one-armed gesture “was a Nazi salute and a very belligerent one too.”

Musk took the stage to address Republican supporters after Trump’s inauguration ceremony, expressing his gratitude and enthusiasm by declaring, “This is what victory feels like.” He added, “This was no ordinary victory; this was a fork in the road of human civilization,” the tech giant stated as he placed his right hand over his heart, thrusting the same arm out into the air straight ahead of him. He then turned and repeated the action for those sitting behind him. 

“My heart goes out to you. It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured,” Musk said, after giving the second one-armed salute.

Many on X likened the one-armed motion to Hitler and the Nazis. In response, Musk posted on X: “Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired.”

Andrea Stroppa, a close associate of Elon Musk, added to the controversy by sharing a video of Musk’s gesture at Trump’s rally with the caption, “Roman Empire is back starting from Roman salute.”

The Roman salute is historically associated with Mussolini’s Fascist Party in Italy and was later adopted by Hitler’s regime. Stroppa deleted the post amid backlash and attempted to retract his statement.

“That gesture, which some mistook for a Nazi salute, is simply Elon, who has autism, expressing his feelings by saying, ‘I want to give my heart to you’,” he said. “That is exactly what he communicated into the microphone. ELON DISLIKES EXTREMISTS!”

READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Wait. He Did What?! Bat Ish Crazy Elon Musk Faces Controversy Over Alleged Nazi Salute at Inauguration Rally | WATCH

We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell
Karla Sofía Gascón - screenshot
Beyonce (Kevin Mazur-WireImage-Getty Images via CNN Newsource)
Wendy Williams in 2019
Jimmy Butler
Wicked (Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande) - via Universal
Melba Moore (wearing white)
Barack Obama (Scott Olson-Getty Images)
Marshawn Lynch & Ke Huy Quan (2025) Photo by Allen Fraser/Universal Pictures - © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
NFL
Cherelle Parker - screenshot
Read More
Aaron Pierre - screenshot
Read More
George W. Bush - Donald Trump (Getty)
Read More
WICKED: PART 1
Read More
Jimmy Butler & Kaitlin Nowak - screenshot
Read More
Kanye West and Bianca Censori on Grammy Red Carpet - screenshot
Read More
Damon Wayans
Read More
Otis Williams (Stefan Brending via Creative Commons)
Read More
Denzel Washington - Gladiator II
Read More
“Carl Weber’s The Family Business: New Orleans”
Read More

POPULAR

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell
NFL Commissioner Reaffirms Commitment to Diversity in Amid DEI Rollbacks
Karla Sofía Gascón - screenshot
Netflix Distances Itself From 'Emilia Pérez' Star Karla Sofía Gascón Amid Islamophobic and Racist Backlash
Beyonce (Kevin Mazur-WireImage-Getty Images via CNN Newsource)
Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' Tour to Take A Pass on Nashville (the Capitol of Country Music)
Wendy Williams in 2019
Wendy Williams Denies Dementia, Defends Health in Legal Dispute | Video
Jimmy Butler
NBA
Jimmy Butler’s Wild West Adventure: From Miami Misery to Golden State Glory! + See Hilarious Reactions
Wicked (Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande) - via Universal
Cynthia Erivo Opens up About Personal Struggles Echoing Elphaba's Journey in 'Wicked'
Melba Moore (wearing white)
EUR Exclusive Commentary by Melba Moore: The Healing Power of Music
Barack Obama (Scott Olson-Getty Images)
Racial Bias Lawsuit Stalls Progress on Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago
Marshawn Lynch & Ke Huy Quan (2025) Photo by Allen Fraser/Universal Pictures - © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
2 Oscar Winners + 1 Screen = 'Love Hurts' | WATCH
1 2 3 8,544