Tesla's Chief Executive expresses approval for Trump's plans and Mars ambitions, annoyed by a confusing action
During Donald Trump's second inauguration, Elon Musk made a gesture that sparked controversy and backlash, with some viewers interpreting it as a Nazi salute. However, Musk denied these claims, calling them "media propaganda" and stating that the gesture was taken out of context.
Supporters and some commentators described the movement as an awkward or misunderstood wave rather than an intentional salute. Critics and historians, on the other hand, warned that the gesture could embolden far-right groups and saw it as resembling a Nazi salute, which provoked outrage, especially in Germany and on social media platforms.
William Shatner, a Jewish actor and prominent public figure, defended Musk against the accusations, stating that he would never believe Musk was paying homage to Nazis, based on his own experience living during the Nazi era in Canada. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) also defended Musk, describing the gesture as "an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute."
Despite these defenses, some media and popular culture outlets ridiculed or satirized the incident, including the TV show Saturday Night Live, which noted that neo-Nazi and white nationalist groups expressed approval of the salute.
Musk responded to Trump's Mars plans with a thumbs-up during the inauguration, showing his enthusiasm for the ambitious project. Musk had contributed a three-digit million amount and made numerous appearances for Trump's campaign, playing the role of a cheerleader during the event.
In addition, Musk announced a coming "golden age" and called for participation in shaping a good future during his brief speech. He also expressed enthusiasm for Trump's Mars plans and criticized old media as pure propaganda. Musk has Jewish roots, as stated by a supporter, and stood on stage with other technology billionaires during the inauguration.
Trump's election victory could make it easier to approve autonomous cars in the US, and Tesla's stock significantly benefited from Trump's election victory. Despite the controversy surrounding Musk's gesture, it did not seem to affect his support for the Trump administration or his involvement in American politics.
[1] The Verge, "Elon Musk's 'Nazi salute' at Trump's inauguration explained [2] The Guardian, "Elon Musk denies making Nazi salute at Donald Trump inauguration," [3] The New York Times, "Elon Musk’s Inauguration Gesture Sparks a Controversy,"
- The controversy over Elon Musk's gesture at Donald Trump's inauguration expanded to various domains, with technology, entertainment, politics, and general-news outlets scrutinizing and reporting on the incident.
- Amidst the backlash over the gesture, Elon Musk, a Jewish technology billionaire, found support from notable figures, as well as organizations like The Anti-Defamation League, who defended him in the realms of technology, entertainment, politics, and general-news, stating that his gesture was not a Nazi salute.
