Elon Musk causes stir with hand gesture at Trump inauguration

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Billionaire Elon Musk has sparked controversy after making a gesture that appeared similar to a Nazi salute. The incident happened on January 20, 2025, as the tech mogul was attending an event celebrating US President Donald Trump’s inauguration. He tapped the left side of his chest with his right hand before extending his arm with his palm open, repeating the gesture for the crowd seated behind him. Several historians later said on social media that the gesture was a “sieg heil”, or Nazi salute. Far-right personalities in the US reportedly celebrated the move, with one calling it “incredible”. Musk himself dismissed criticism of the hand gesture as a “tired” attack.

 

January 21, 2025