NEWS
BREAKING: “Outrage Erupts on X, the Platform Elon Musk Owns, as His Hand Gesture at U.S. President Donald Trump’s Rally is Slammed as a Chilling Echo of NAZI SALUTES With Many Accusations of FACIST SYMPATHIES
“Outrage Erupts as Elon Musk’s Rally Gesture Sparks Allegations of Nazi Salute: X Users Turn on Platform’s Owner”
At a rally celebrating Donald Trump’s presidential victory, Elon Musk took center stage to deliver a message of gratitude to the crowd. As he thanked supporters, saying, “My heart goes out to you,” Musk placed his hand over his heart before thrusting his arm out straight ahead. What might have been intended as a symbolic expression of solidarity has instead ignited a firestorm of controversy, with many on X—the social media platform Musk owns—likening the gesture to a Nazi salute.
The moment, captured on video and quickly circulated across social media, has drawn fierce criticism from users of X, who accused Musk of using a gesture alarmingly reminiscent of the infamous Nazi salute. The backlash has been swift and unforgiving, with #MuskSalute and #WhatWasThat trending across the platform as users expressed shock and outrage.
One X user wrote, “This is the man who owns the platform we’re all using? That salute was chilling, intentional or not.” Another added, “Elon Musk went from innovator to instigator. That gesture isn’t just tone-deaf—it’s dangerous.”
Critics highlighted the broader context of Musk’s public support for Trump, suggesting the gesture might have been an intentional nod to Trump’s divisive base. Some even questioned whether Musk was leveraging his social media dominance to amplify his political leanings in increasingly provocative ways.
A Divisive Reaction
While the backlash has been widespread, some of Musk’s supporters have come to his defense, arguing that the gesture was a harmless expression of gratitude taken out of context. Prominent Musk allies on X dismissed the comparisons as absurd, calling the accusations part of a coordinated smear campaign.
“Elon Musk is not a Nazi sympathizer, and this is a ridiculous attempt to vilify him,” wrote one supporter. “People will twist anything to suit their agenda.”
However, many remain unconvinced. The gesture’s striking resemblance to a historical salute used during one of the darkest periods in human history has reignited concerns about the normalization of extremist symbols in mainstream politics.
Musk’s Silence Fuels Speculation
As of now, Musk has yet to address the controversy directly, a decision that has only added fuel to the fire. Critics argue that his silence on the matter shows a lack of accountability, particularly as the owner of X, where much of the backlash is playing out.
Public relations experts have weighed in, suggesting that Musk’s refusal to clarify his intent risks alienating users on his platform, many of whom are already wary of his leadership style and political affiliations.
The Larger Implications
This incident marks the latest chapter in the ongoing debate over Musk’s role as a political and cultural figure. Once celebrated as a visionary entrepreneur, Musk’s recent actions—ranging from his controversial moderation policies on X to his outspoken political endorsements—have painted a polarizing picture of the billionaire.
For many, the gesture at Trump’s rally symbolizes more than a single misstep; it epitomizes the growing intertwining of tech power and