14 sources·Politics

Elon Musk's Controversial Gesture at Trump Inauguration Sparks Outrage and Defense

Musk's hand gesture during Trump’s inauguration celebration is likened to a Nazi salute, igniting debate over intent and political affiliations.

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  1. AOC torn to shreds for ‘jewsplaining’ to Anti-Defamation League in dispute over Elon Musk’s inauguration salute

    Ocasio-Cortez's response to the ADL revealed not only a dismissal of their authority but also reflected a deeper political maneuvering that seems more about scoring points than genuinely addressing antisemitism.

    AOC torn to shreds for ‘jewsplaining’ to Anti-Defamation League in dispute over Elon Musk’s inauguration salute

    New York PostNew York Post·3M
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    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
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    Leans Right
    This outlet slightly leans right.
  2. Radio Host Challenges Listeners To ‘Test’ Elon Musk Rally Gesture While They’re at Work and ‘See What Happens’

    James O’Brien's provocative challenge to those defending Musk's actions encapsulates a broader suspicion, suggesting that the billionaire's gestures were not merely awkward but deliberately reminiscent of Nazi symbolism, indicative of a troubling ideological alignment.

    Radio Host Challenges Listeners To ‘Test’ Elon Musk Rally Gesture While They’re at Work and ‘See What Happens’

    MEDIAiteMEDIAite·3M
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    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
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    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  3. Elon Musk slams Nazi salute allegations as 'dirty trick'

    Musk's defense against accusations of making a Nazi salute reveals a broader theme of diminishing tolerance for political rivalry, illustrating how easily gestures can be weaponized in today's charged climate.

    Elon Musk slams Nazi salute allegations as 'dirty trick'

    Washington ExaminerWashington Examiner·3M
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    Leans Right
    This outlet slightly leans right.
  4. "It was a Nazi salute": Historian dismisses claim that Musk's raised arm was mere "awkward gesture"

    Elon Musk's recent gesture during a speech has stirred controversies and comparisons to fascist salutes, yet he remains unapologetic, dismissing criticisms as stale political attacks while continuing to align himself with far-right ideologies.

    "It was a Nazi salute": Historian dismisses claim that Musk's raised arm was mere "awkward gesture"

    SalonSalon·3M
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    Left
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  5. ADL: ‘Awkward’ Musk gesture ‘not a Nazi salute’: ‘This is a delicate moment’

    The ADL's defense of Musk's gesture highlights the heightened sensitivities in our current political climate, suggesting that amidst the chaos, a measured approach is needed to foster understanding and unity.

    ADL: ‘Awkward’ Musk gesture ‘not a Nazi salute’: ‘This is a delicate moment’

    The HillThe Hill·3M
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    Center
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  6. Lemkin Institute Issues 'Red Flag Alert for Genocide' After Musk's Nazi Salutes

    Musk's recent gestures are not mere mistakes but alarming signals that raise serious concerns about the direction of American politics and the influence of billionaire allies who may align themselves with extremist ideologies.

    Lemkin Institute Issues 'Red Flag Alert for Genocide' After Musk's Nazi Salutes

    Common DreamsCommon Dreams·3M
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  7. Elon Musk at Trump’s inauguration: What’s the history of the Nazi salute?

    The criticism surrounding Elon Musk's gesture highlights a troubling trend where his actions seem to resonate with far-right and neo-Nazi movements, raising alarm over the implications of such associations.

    Elon Musk at Trump’s inauguration: What’s the history of the Nazi salute?

    Al JazeeraAl Jazeera·3M
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    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  8. Elon Musk responds to backlash over gesture at Donald Trump rally

    Musk's somewhat bewildering gesture seems to be a reflection of his increasingly controversial stance and alignment with far-right ideologies, drawing ire from many who view it as a dangerous flirtation with the extreme.

    Elon Musk responds to backlash over gesture at Donald Trump rally

    BBC NewsBBC News·3M
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    Center
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  9. Musk: Critics Need 'Better Dirty Tricks' Than 'Hitler' Attacks

    The backlash against Elon Musk's gesture at Trump's inauguration seems to overshadow the fact that it was likely an awkward and enthusiastic moment rather than a deliberate reference to Nazi symbols.

    Musk: Critics Need 'Better Dirty Tricks' Than 'Hitler' Attacks

    NewsmaxNewsmax·3M
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    Right
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  10. Did He?

    Musk's awkward gesture has prompted divisive interpretations, leaving many to wonder if it's evidence of his trolling nature or a more sinister alignment with white supremacist sentiments.

    Did He?

    The AtlanticThe Atlantic·3M
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    ·
    Leans Left
    This outlet slightly leans left.
  1. New York Post
  2. MEDIAite
  3. Washington Examiner
  4. Salon
  5. The Hill
  6. Common Dreams
  7. Al Jazeera
  8. BBC News
  9. Newsmax
  10. The Atlantic
  11. FOX News

Updated: Jan 21st, 2025, 4:00 PM ET

Summary

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

During a rally celebrating Trump's inauguration, Elon Musk's hand gesture drew accusations of a Nazi salute. Musk defended himself, dismissing the backlash as tired political tactics. The ADL characterized the gesture as awkward rather than antisemitic. Amidst the controversy, British host James O’Brien challenged skeptics to mimic the gesture in public. While Musk's critics link his gesture to far-right associations, defenders argue it was misrepresented, citing similar gestures by past political figures. Regardless of intention, the incident fueled discussions about Musk's political ties and garnered mixed reactions from observers.


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History

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Elon Musk's Controversial Gesture at Trump Inauguration Sparks Outrage and Defense - Pano News