Elise Stefanik, President Trump’s nominee to serve as ambassador to the United Nations, defended Elon Musk’s gesture that many interpreted as a Nazi salute, when questioned by Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk faced immediate backlash on Monday for a gesture he made while addressing a crowd at a Donald Trump inauguration event, renewing attention to his past antisemitic remarks and his far-right beliefs. After effusively thanking the crowd at the Capital One Arena for electing Trump, Musk — a close ally of the president and the head of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency — placed his right hand on his chest and stretched his arm outward, his palm facing the ground.
The Anti-Defamation League, which came under fire last year for what employees said was its CEO’s apparent elevation of pro-Israel advocacy over combating antisemitism, called it an “awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute.” “In this moment, all sides should give one another a bit of grace, perhaps even the benefit of the doubt, and take a breath,” the ADL said in its statement. Musk did not respond to NBC News' request for comment.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Elon Musk Appears to Give Nazi Salutes at Trump RallyElon Musk sparked controversy after seemingly performing Nazi salutes at a rally celebrating Donald Trump's inauguration in 2025. The incident drew strong reactions on social media, with many expressing concern about the future of the country. Some attempted to defend Musk's actions by calling it a 'Roman salute,' but the gesture's strong association with Nazi Germany made this explanation widely rejected. Musk's companies, Tesla and X, have yet to comment on the incident.
Read more »
Neo-Nazis Love the Nazi-Like Salutes Elon Musk Made at Trump's InaugurationThe far right is celebrating what it views as a clear signal from the X owner and Donald Trump associate, who made the gestures on stage Monday.
Read more »
ADL defends Elon Musk over ‘awkward gesture’ at Trump inauguration: ‘Not a Nazi salute’ Elon Musk calls Trump victory 'a fork in the road of human civilization'
Read more »
Social media erupts over Elon Musk’s Nazi salute-like gesture at Trump’s rallyElon Musk's controversial salute at Trump's inauguration sparks Nazi comparisons and social media outrage.
Read more »
Fact Check: Journos, Democrats Claim Elon Musk Did Nazi Salute During Trump Inauguration EventSource of breaking news and analysis, insightful commentary and original reporting, curated and written specifically for the new generation of independent and conservative thinkers.
Read more »
Elon Musk Faces Backlash Over Suspected Nazi Salute at Trump RallyElon Musk is criticized for a hand gesture resembling a Nazi salute at a rally following Trump's inauguration. While some claim it was an unintentional mistake, others denounce it as a deliberate act of hate. The controversy sparked outrage and accusations of Nazi affiliation against Musk.
Read more »