Elon Musk offered Donald Trump supporters what looked a lot like a Nazi salute on live TV to cheers from the MAGA crowd Monday at Trump’s post-swearing-in inauguration rally in Washington, D.C..
As social media exploded with condemnation of what some were calling a “Sieg Heil,” with some others applauding the world’s richest man’s gesture, there was also some speculation that Musk’s movement was more like that of an Imperial Roman general in the Gladiator mode. In point of fact, Musk turned around and gave the salute a second time almost immediately afterwards to supporters seated behind him at DC’s Capital One Arena.
“This is what victory feels like,” Musk told the indoor arena Trump rally in DC moments before banging on his heart and offering a stiff outstretched arm from the podium with the presidential seal on it. “This was no ordinary victory, this was a fork in the road of human civilization.”
“This one really matters, thank you,” Musk then said of last year’s election, before making the salute, Nazi, Roman or otherwise. The Space X and Tesla owner then when on about exploration to Mars.
In very odd and circumspect language, CNN’s Erin Burnett first called Musk’s action an “odd looking salute.” Her on-screen companion added, “it’s not something you see at an American political rally.” Newsweek Opinion Editor Batya Ungar-Sargon had another take. “This is a man with Aspergers exuberantly throwing his heart to the crowd,” the journalist said, calling Musk “a friend to the Jews.”
Musk himself reposted his speech to the Trump parade, which was moved indoors this weekend due to extreme cold in Washington DC Monday, online soon after he left the stage. The clip from Fox cut away to the audience from the first time gave the salute, but still showed him giving to the people behind him.
A major financial and digital backer of Trump’s third successful run for the White House, unofficial First Buddy Musk has also been a big supporter of far-right causes and parties around the global of late. Among others, the South African-born X owner has put a lot of time and spotlight on Germany’s poll surging AfD, who also regularly incorporate such salutes into their rallies and gatherings.
Newly sworn in 47th POTUS Trump is expected to speak himself at the Capitol One Arena soon.
