Elon Musk denies giving 'fascist salute' at Trump inauguration rally, media outlets allege.

The ADL defended Musk, stating that his gesture was an "awkward move."

Elon Musk denies giving 'fascist salute' at Trump inauguration rally, media outlets allege.
Elon Musk denies giving 'fascist salute' at Trump inauguration rally, media outlets allege.

On Monday, at President Trump's inauguration rally, Elon Musk was accused by liberal media outlets of giving a "fascist salute."

"This is what victory feels like! This was no ordinary victory, this was a turning point for human civilization. Thank you for making it happen. From my heart to yours," an ecstatic Musk, 53, declared to the cheering crowd at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., as he raised his hand to his chest in celebration.

Erin Burnett and Kasie Hunt on CNN appeared to suggest that Elon Musk had given a Nazi salute based on a clip they played.

"Through history, we've seen similar salutes," Hunt remarked.

Elon Musk
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Tesla, SpaceX and X CEO Elon Musk gestures as he speaks during an inauguration event at Capital One Arena on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th President of the United States.  (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Burnett called Musk’s gesture an "odd salute."

Hunt continued, stating that it is unusual to observe such occurrences at American political gatherings.

The Tesla CEO was seen giving a fascist salute, according to a post by PBS News Hour.

"Behind the Presidential seal, a gesture resembling a Heil Hitler salute was made, which I never thought I'd witness," Rep. Jerry Nadler wrote on X.

On Monday, during the Washington DC Trump parade, Elon Musk was seen making a Heil Hitler salute, mimicking the gesture of the former US president.

In November 2023, a tech billionaire made a highly publicized trip to Israel and toured the damage caused by Hamas' October 7 terrorist attacks. During his visit, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged him to take action against antisemitism.

Elon Musk
Elon Musk speaks during an America PAC town hall on Oct. 26, 2024 in Lancaster, Pa. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) issued a statement defending Musk, stating that his gesture was an "awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute."

"Let us all offer each other some leniency and considerate thinking in this present moment," the statement suggested.

by David Spector

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