Elon Musk sparks online speculation about the meaning of a hand gesture

Elon Musk sparked speculation and discussion online when he waved twice during a speech celebrating President Trump on Monday.

Speaking at a celebratory rally at Washington’s Capital One Arena hours after Mr. Trump was sworn in as president, Mr. Musk thanked the crowd for choosing Mr. Trump at a “crossroads on the path to human civilization.

Mr Musk, who runs Tesla, SpaceX and social media platform THANKS. »

The billionaire then groaned and placed his hand over his heart before extending his arm above his head with his palm facing down. After turning around, he repeated the movement to those behind him.

On CNN, commentators highlighted Mr. Musk’s gesture. Erin Burnett, a presenter, noted how striking the action was. The motion was quickly compared online to the salute popularized by Adolf Hitler, and others interpreted it as a Roman salute, also known as a “fascist salute” and was later adopted by the Nazis. The Nazi variation of the gesture is illegal in some European countries, including Germany.

“Did Elon Musk just do the Roman salute during his inauguration speech? Hasan Piker, a popular streamer, asked on X.

The Anti-Defamation League, which has clashed with Mr. Musk in the past, later said on X that Mr. Musk had “made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm” and that it was not “not a Nazi salute.” The organization added that “all parties should give each other some grace.”

Masha Pearl, executive director of Blue Card, a foundation that supports Holocaust survivors, said she was “deeply troubled” by Mr. Musk’s action, which she called a “Nazi salute.”

She added: “Elon Musk has been involved in anti-Semitic incidents in the past. For this reason, it was an unmistakable symbol of hatred, violence, genocide.

Others appeared to celebrate Mr. Musk’s motion. Andrew Torba, the founder of the far-right social network Gab, shared a photo of the billionaire making the gesture on his platform, adding the caption: “Incredible things are already happening.”

Mr. Musk, 53, did not respond to an email for comment.

After making these gestures, Mr. Musk continued his speech. He spoke enthusiastically about “safe cities, secure borders, reasonable spending” and the promise of taking humanity to Mars.

“My heart goes out to you,” Mr. Musk said, placing his hand over his heart. “It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured.”

Kimbal Musk, Mr. Musk’s younger brother, later posted on X that it was “the best speech” of Mr. Musk’s life.

“Well done!” » wrote Kimbal Musk while sharing a video of the speech. “This is what success looks like.”