Fact Check: Did Elon Musk Make The Nazi Salute?

(Scypre.com) – Elon Musk has found himself at the center of a growing controversy after making a gesture at a recent post-inauguration rally that has been widely interpreted as a Roman salute. The gesture, which involved Musk placing his palm on his chest before extending a stiff right arm outward with a slight elevation and palm facing down, has sparked praise from far-right extremist groups and condemnation from various corners of the political spectrum.

Musk, who played a significant role in Donald Trump’s re-election campaign by contributing hundreds of millions of dollars, has also been closely involved in shaping the new administration. The tech mogul has been appointed to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tasked with identifying and cutting hundreds of billions in federal spending. During his inauguration speech, Trump even aligned his administration’s goals with Musk’s long-standing ambition of colonizing Mars, framing it as part of America’s “manifest destiny.”

The controversial salute, whether intentional or not, has been met with enthusiasm by extremist groups online. Prominent figures within neo-Nazi circles quickly shared clips of the moment, interpreting it as a nod to their ideology. Christopher Pohlhaus, leader of the neo-Nazi group Blood Tribe, posted the clip on Telegram alongside a lightning-bolt emoji associated with the Nazi SS and remarked, “I don’t care if this was a mistake. I’m going to enjoy the tears over it.”

Similarly, Christopher Hood, founder of the New England race-separatist movement NSC-131, shared the video on his Telegram channel with emojis indicating excitement. Andrew Torba, founder of the far-right social media platform Gab, which has been criticized for hosting extremist content, also shared the clip, commenting, “Incredible things are happening already lmao.”

Far-right author Keith Woods, described by the Southern Poverty Law Center as an ethno-nationalist and antisemite, posted the video on X with the caption, “Ok maybe woke really is dead.” Other extremist figures, such as Australian neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell, echoed similar sentiments by labeling the moment a “Donald Trump White Power moment.”

In response to the gesture, the Ohio chapter of the Proud Boys shared the video with the caption, “Hail Trump!” Meanwhile, a chapter of the white nationalist group White Lives Matter expressed appreciation for Musk, referencing a past freeway banner drop that read, “Elon Musk Stop White Genocide,” and added, “Thanks for (sometimes) hearing us, Elon. The White Flame will rise again.”

Despite the uproar, alternative explanations for Musk’s gesture have emerged. Observers have noted that the billionaire is known for his social awkwardness and may have been attempting an uncoordinated show of appreciation toward the crowd. After repeating the gesture, he remarked, “My heart goes out to you,” suggesting a sincere, if awkward, display of gratitude.

However, Musk’s history with far-right movements has raised concerns. He has previously aligned himself with nationalist parties in Europe, including Germany’s extremist AfD party. Since acquiring Twitter, now rebranded as X, Musk has reinstated previously banned white nationalist accounts under the banner of free speech. His online presence has often blurred the line between trolling and genuine political commentary, with Musk frequently sharing memes associated with alt-right culture, including the popular Pepe the Frog meme. Notably, he briefly adopted the moniker “Kekius Maximus,” a reference to far-right internet culture.

Musk’s involvement with controversial figures and movements has placed him in the spotlight before. In late 2023, he faced backlash for endorsing an antisemitic conspiracy theory on X, prompting him to undertake a public relations tour in Israel in an effort to mend relations. Despite these efforts, his actions and statements continue to fuel speculation about his ideological leanings and influence over the Trump administration.

As the controversy unfolds, Musk has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the allegations surrounding the salute. Whether the gesture was an innocent misstep or a calculated nod to a segment of Trump’s base, it has undoubtedly amplified ongoing debates about Musk’s role in shaping the political landscape and the influence of extremist groups in the digital age.

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