Controversy Over Elon Musk’s Controversial Gesture at a Donald Trump Rally: Misstep or Fascist Symbol?

On January 20, 2025, during a rally for Donald Trump in Washington, Elon Musk, CEO of X, SpaceX, and Tesla, sparked a fierce controversy after a gesture that some interpreted as a Nazi salute. On stage, he struck his left chest with his right hand, then extended his right arm, palm open, repeating the gesture as he turned toward the crowd.

Fierce Criticism

This gesture immediately provoked outraged reactions. Historian Claire Aubin, a specialist in Nazism in the United States, called the movement a “sieg heil,” a Nazi salute. Similarly, fascism expert Ruth Ben-Ghiat described it as “aggressive.” International media outlets such as Haaretz and The Guardian referred to it as a “fascist or fascist-style salute,” while former Democratic representative Cori Bush mocked the “exact angle” of the gesture. Democratic representative Jimmy Gomez also condemned the movement, stating on X, “It didn’t take long,” sharing a photo of the scene.

A Divisive Defense

In response to these accusations, Elon Musk took to X, calling the criticism a “dirty trick” orchestrated by his political opponents. He also condemned what he saw as the overused tactic of labeling anyone as Hitler. According to Musk, the gesture was simply a moment of enthusiasm misinterpreted.

This explanation found support, notably from Brandon Galambos, a pastor present at the rally, who described the gesture as “humorous and sarcastic,” criticizing the political left for exploiting it. The ADL, an organization combating antisemitism, also defended Musk, calling it “a clumsy gesture in a moment of enthusiasm.”

A Troubling Context

However, the criticisms intensified, particularly due to Musk’s recent support for far-right parties like Germany’s AfD and Giorgia Meloni’s Fratelli d’Italia in Italy. Amy Spitalnick, head of the Jewish organization JCPA, emphasized that the gesture aligned with Musk’s recent stance supporting far-right policies.

Historian Aaron Astor attempted to ease the debate, stating that the gesture was not a Nazi salute but a misstep by Musk, noting that he has publicly discussed his Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism. According to Astor, the movement was a socially awkward sign of connection with the crowd, not a fascist statement.

Between Controversy and Ambiguity

While the controversy remains divisive, it highlights once again the influence and polarizing choices of Elon Musk in the public sphere. Between accusations of fascist gestures and defense of a mere misstep, this moment underscores the political and cultural tensions that are shaking the United States in 2025.