Elon Musk ‘Nazi-like gesture’: Musk thanks supporters and makes Nazi-like salute after Trump’s inauguration
Elon Musk, the renowned founder of SpaceX and Tesla, found himself at the center of controversy following his speech at Donald Trump’s inauguration. During his appearance, Musk made a hand gesture twice, which many observers likened to a “Nazi salute.” The incident quickly ignited a firestorm of debate across social media platforms and news outlets.
Video of Elon Musk ‘Nazi-like gesture’ Live at Trump’s Inauguration:
Elon Musk ‘Nazi-like gesture’: Trump’s Inauguration Speech
Following the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, Elon Musk addressed an audience at the Capital One Arena in Washington. In his speech, Musk expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating:
“This election is really important. And I just want to say thank you for making this possible. Thank you. My heart goes out to you. Because of you, the future of civilization is secure.”
However, it was Musk’s closing gesture that drew attention. After his speech, he placed his hand over his heart and raised it sharply, repeating the motion while turning to the crowd. While the gesture was met with applause from the audience, it sparked widespread debate online, with some questioning whether it resembled a Nazi salute.
Video: Elon Musk’s ‘Nazi-like gesture’ aired on Fox News: Controversial gesture recorded twice
A video has emerged online of Elon Musk giving what appears to be a “Sieg Heil” during his speech at the Trump 2025 inauguration . In a short speech to the audience, Musk raised his arm twice in a gesture that some interpreted as a Nazi salute and Elon Musk giving a “Sieg Heil.”
The first time, he placed his hand over his heart, then raised it sharply, addressing one part of the audience. Turning to the other side of the room, he repeated the movement to thunderous applause. The action was clearly captured on video broadcast live by Fox News .
Video of Elon Musk ‘Nazi-like gesture’ twice:
Elon Musk “Nazi-like gesture”: cropped video of broadcast recorded by Fox News
Of particular note is the fact that during the live broadcast, Fox News aired these moments without cuts. However, in the recording published by the channel later, the controversial footage of Musk’s gestures was cut off. This decision raised questions among viewers and journalists, who noted the absence of the full video on official Fox News platforms.
Cropped video of Elon Musk ‘Nazi-like gesture’, recorded live on Fox News:
Elon Musk “Nazi-like gesture”: the reaction of the media and social networks
Elon Musk’s “Nazi-like” gesture has caused a stir in the world media. CNN anchor Erin Burnett called it ” strange ,” while Israeli media used the term ” fascist salute .” However, Trump supporters claim that it is a ” Roman salute ,” used as a symbol of respect, and not a Nazi salute. Musk himself has not yet commented, but he posted a full video of his speech on social media site X .
The video from the US presidential inauguration stage has already spread across social networks, prompting many interpretations. Some users consider the gesture a symbol of the Roman salute, while others consider it an obvious provocation. The reaction to this episode only intensifies the controversy surrounding Musk’s speech and his role in the new Trump administration.
How does Elon Musk himself react to the comparison with his “Nazi-like gesture”?
Following accusations against Elon Musk over his gesture, which some interpreted as a Nazi salute, the billionaire responded via his X (formerly Twitter) page. Musk wrote:
“Frankly, they need dirtier tricks. The “everyone is a Hitler” attack is so tired .”
In another tweet, Musk emphasized that he had supported the Democratic Party in the past because of its stances on kindness and compassion. However, he said that Democrats have now become the “party of division and hate,” prompting him to change his political views and support the Republicans. He also ironically invited users to watch the “dirty stunt campaign” against him.
What is “Nazi salute”?
The Nazi salute is a gesture widely used in the Third Reich as part of the personality cult of Adolf Hitler. It involved raising the right arm forward at an angle of about 45 degrees with the palm straightened. The gesture was accompanied by the words Heil Hitler! (“Glory to Hitler!”), or in some cases simply Heil! . This ritual had the official name Deutscher Gruß (“German salute”) and was obligatory in government offices, NSDAP and SS organizations, but was also widely used unofficially.
“Fascist Salute” – “Nazi Salute”
The greeting often appeared in written addresses, especially at the end of letters, orders and announcements, where the phrase Heil Hitler! was used as a formula of assurance. This practice was part of state propaganda and helped to consolidate the cult of the Führer in public life in Germany.
This gesture, originally presented as an expression of loyalty and unity, over time became a symbol of the Nazi ideology, associated with totalitarianism, aggression and violation of human rights.
What is a Roman salute?
The Roman salute is a gesture in which the right arm is extended forward with the palm facing down or parallel to the ground. Sometimes the arm is raised at an upward angle. Despite the widespread belief that this gesture originated in ancient Rome, historical sources do not confirm its existence in antiquity as a common greeting.
Italian historian Guido Clemente argues that in ancient Rome, the Roman salute was used exclusively by emperors or military leaders when addressing the public, but was not a universal gesture. The popular idea of the Roman salute is based more on a work of art, namely Jacques-Louis David’s painting The Oath of the Horatii (1784), which depicts a similar gesture. Thus, the visual form of the Roman salute is more of an artistic interpretation than a historical fact.
Today, the Roman salute is often associated with the fascist and Nazi movements of the 20th century. Despite its historical roots, it has acquired symbolism that evokes negative associations related to totalitarianism and human rights violations.
Elon Musk: Role in the New Trump Administration
Elon Musk holds a key position in the Department of Government Efficiency ( DOGE ), created by Trump . This unit is responsible for reducing government spending and improving the efficiency of government agencies. At Trump’s inauguration, Musk said:
“We’ll have safe cities – finally – safe borders, reasonable spending. And we’ll send DOGE to Mars!”
He also stressed his willingness to work for the well-being of the country and said that American astronauts would plant the US flag on another planet.
Trump’s Promises: From Mars to the Panama Canal
At Trump’s 2025 inauguration, the president promised:
- Send American astronauts to Mars and plant the American flag there.
- Rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America .
- Regain control of the Panama Canal.
These statements, along with Musk’s “Nazi-like gesture” speech, were key moments of the inauguration event.
Elon Musk ‘Nazi-like gesture’: What’s Next?
While the discussion of Elon Musk’s gesture continues, Trump’s supporters and opponents continue to argue about the meaning of his actions. One thing is certain: Trump’s return to the White House has already become one of the most discussed events of the year, and Musk , as his ally, only increases interest in the new US political course.
