A few hours after Donald Trump was sworn in as the country’s 47th president Elon Musk the owner of X caused controversy with a gesture during a speech that was instantly compared to a fascist salute.
Then in a gesture that resembled a Roman or Nazi military salute, Musk jerked his arm out straight and stiff palm down after placing his hand over his heart.
Before saying ‘My heart goes out to you’ he made the same gesture once more while turning to face the throng behind him.
“Some elections are important, some are not, but this one really mattered. And I just want to say thank you for making it happen. Thank you,” Musk said.
He made the gesture while speaking at a podium bedecked with the Presidential seal at a post-inauguration event held at Washington, D.C.’s Capitol One Arena on Monday.
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Reports on the gesture from CNN Politico PBS NewsHour and many foreign newspapers immediately raised concerns about whether it was a deliberate fascist salute.
A request for comment was not immediately answered by Musks attorney.
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The incident’s discussion swiftly gained popularity on X and other social media sites.
While some retorted that Musk was being singled out by critics and had no intention of invoking fascism many others voiced their outrage.
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“It seems that [Elon Musk] made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute, but again, we appreciate that people are on edge,” wrote the ADL on X.
“In this moment, all sides should give one another a bit of grace, perhaps even the benefit of the doubt, and take a breath. This is a new beginning. Let’s hope for healing and work toward unity in the months and years ahead.”
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CNN insists Elon Musk made a Nazi salute at the event and we are yet to get a response from the world’s richest man on this accusation.
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