Elon Musk Faces Backlash for Controversial Gesture at Donald Trump’s Rally

Elon Musk sparked outrage after delivering a controversial salute during Donald Trump’s post-inauguration rally at Capital One Arena. On Monday, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO took the stage in front of a crowd of Trump supporters, where he slapped his chest with his right hand and extended it outward, palm down—a gesture that drew immediate comparisons to the infamous Nazi “Sieg Heil” salute.

Musk repeated the move for the audience behind him, igniting widespread criticism online and in media circles. Many noted the gesture’s historical ties to fascist symbolism, though some pointed out its origins in the Ancient Roman salute. Regardless, the move has been widely condemned for its resemblance to World War II-era Nazi imagery.

During his speech, Musk described Trump’s win as a “pivotal moment” and a “fork in the road of human civilization.” The incident follows a similarly controversial appearance last fall, when Musk referred to himself as “Dark MAGA” while hyping up Trump at another rally.

The backlash has been swift, with many accusing Musk of poor judgment and stoking divisive sentiments. As the controversy unfolds, Musk’s actions at the rally continue to dominate headlines, fueling intense debates across social media and beyond.