18 sources·Politics

Elon Musk's Controversial Gesture Sparks National Debate

During Trump's inauguration, Musk's arm gestures resulted in polarized interpretations, provoking discussions on media bias and political extremism.

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  1. Musk says his gestures at Trump inauguration event weren't Nazi salutes

    Elon Musk's troubling gestures at a rally not only evoke the specter of past atrocities but also highlight a dangerous trajectory for public discourse, where enthusiasm can overshadow historical accountability.

    Musk says his gestures at Trump inauguration event weren't Nazi salutes

    Los Angeles TimesLos Angeles Times·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  2. Musk accused of 'Nazi salute' at Trump inaugural rally: Bias Breakdown

    The polarizing coverage of Elon Musk’s gesture highlights the stark divide in media narratives, where left-leaning outlets focus on speculating his intentions while right-leaning ones dismiss these accusations, often framing them as an attack on Republican values.

    Musk accused of 'Nazi salute' at Trump inaugural rally: Bias Breakdown

    Straight Arrow NewsStraight Arrow News·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  3. Elon Musk Fanboys Are Dared To Show Just How Far Their Fealty Goes

    Musk's salute, which many perceived as a Nazi reference, has ignited a fierce debate, revealing deep divisions within social media over the appropriateness of his actions.

    Elon Musk Fanboys Are Dared To Show Just How Far Their Fealty Goes

    HuffPostHuffPost·3M
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
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    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  4. Stefanik, Murphy clash over Musk gesture at confirmation hearing

    Rep. Elise Stefanik's staunch defense of Elon Musk underscores her commitment to supporting entrepreneurial success in America, no matter the controversy surrounding individual actions.

    Stefanik, Murphy clash over Musk gesture at confirmation hearing

    The HillThe Hill·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  5. Ocasio-Cortez pounces on Anti-Defamation League for defending Elon Musk from Nazi accusations

    In a time of heightened political tensions and anxieties, the call for grace and understanding seems more urgent than ever, yet we witness divisive reactions that only exacerbate the climate of fear and mistrust.

    Ocasio-Cortez pounces on Anti-Defamation League for defending Elon Musk from Nazi accusations

    The BlazeThe Blaze·3M
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
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    Right
    This outlet favors right-wing views.
  6. Elon Musk condemned for gesture resembling a Nazi salute at Trump inauguration event

    Musk's gesture, interpreted by many as a nod to fascism, underscores the ongoing concerns about his far-right associations and the potential dangers of his influence, particularly given his history of fostering antisemitic sentiments.

    Elon Musk condemned for gesture resembling a Nazi salute at Trump inauguration event

    MSNBCMSNBC·3M
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    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
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    Left
    This outlet favors left-wing views.
  7. The Gesture Elon Musk Should Make Now: Denouncing Fascism

    Elon Musk’s exuberant display at Trump’s second inauguration not only signals a troubling shift in the acceptance of right-wing extremism, but also raises questions about his awareness of the historical implications of his actions.

    The Gesture Elon Musk Should Make Now: Denouncing Fascism

    New York MagazineNew York Magazine·3M
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  8. Musk's straight-arm gesture embraced by right-wing extremists regardless of what he meant

    Elon Musk's ambiguous gesture during a speech, which resembled a Nazi salute, has ignited controversy and celebration among right-wing extremists, raising serious concerns about the implications of his actions and the message they may convey.

    Musk's straight-arm gesture embraced by right-wing extremists regardless of what he meant

    Boston GlobeBoston Globe·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  9. Musk's straight-arm gesture embraced by right-wing extremists regardless of what he meant

    Despite the uncertainty surrounding his intentions, Musk’s gesture appears to have resonated with extremist groups, highlighting the troubling implications of his actions and the responsibility that comes with being a leading public figure.

    Musk's straight-arm gesture embraced by right-wing extremists regardless of what he meant

    Associated PressAssociated Press·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  10. MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow Blasts Musk Salute — Compares Trump Pardons To Nazis And More In Scathing Rant

    The maximalist option chosen by Trump to pardon and commute the sentences of those who committed violence on January 6th not only immunizes his followers from legal consequences but also resembles authoritarian tactics seen throughout history, marking a troubling turn in American politics.

    MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow Blasts Musk Salute — Compares Trump Pardons To Nazis And More In Scathing Rant

    MEDIAiteMEDIAite·3M
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    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  11. Jon Stewart on Trump’s inauguration: ‘A cycle of no accountability’

    The spectacle of billionaires gathered to support Trump’s return to power reveals a disturbing alignment of wealth and political influence, marking a shift towards oligarchy that threatens the accountability of leadership and the welfare of everyday Americans.

    Jon Stewart on Trump’s inauguration: ‘A cycle of no accountability’

    The GuardianThe Guardian·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  12. Jon Stewart, Seth Meyers skewer Democrats' 'warm embrace' of Trump at inauguration

    The bizarre welcome given to Trump by Democrats, despite labeling him an existential threat to democracy, reveals a preposterous political dynamic that's both puzzling and troubling for the future.

    Jon Stewart, Seth Meyers skewer Democrats' 'warm embrace' of Trump at inauguration

    USA TODAYUSA TODAY·3M
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  1. Los Angeles Times
  2. Straight Arrow News
  3. HuffPost
  4. The Hill
  5. The Blaze
  6. MSNBC
  7. New York Magazine
  8. Boston Globe
  9. Daily Caller
  10. Associated Press
  11. FOX News
  12. MEDIAite
  13. The Guardian
  14. USA TODAY

Updated: Jan 21st, 2025, 11:28 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Elon Musk's gestures at President Trump's inauguration have sparked debate, with critics labeling them as Nazi salutes, while supporters argue they were misinterpreted. The reactions have showcased deep political divides, with left-leaning outlets condemning the gesture and right-leaning voices defending Musk, emphasizing a broader commentary on media biases and political affiliations.


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History

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