Elon Musk gesture at Trump rally draws scrutiny

January 21, 2025 journo

Elon Musk has drawn attention after an odd gesture at an event marking Donald Trump‘s inauguration today.

Speaking at a rally at a Washington DC arena, the billionaire pounded his chest and aggressively shot his arm out in a stiff-armed salute.

He then turned around and did it again to another part of the cheering crowd.

Elon Musk appearing to do a Nazi salute at a Trump inauguration event. — Elon Musk at the Trump inauguration event. (CNN)

“Some elections are important, some are not. But this one, this one really mattered and I just want to say thank you for making it happen,” he said before the gesture.

“It is thanks to you that the future of civilisation is assured.”

When Musk posted a video of his speech online the clip cut away to shots of the audience at the moment of the gesture.

Elon Musk does the salute a second time. — Elon Musk performed the gesture a second time. (CNN)

The South African-born billionaire has posted repeatedly on X since his speech, but has not addressed the gesture.

As you might expect, comments online were quick to speculate about the nature of the gesture.

Some online commenters likened the gesture to a Roman salute, which is also known as a fascist-style salute.

“This is a delicate moment,” it said in a statement. “It’s a new day and yet so many are on edge. Our politics are inflamed, and social media only adds to the anxiety. It seems that @elonmusk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute, but again, we appreciate that people are on edge.

“In this moment, all sides should give one another a bit of grace, perhaps even the benefit of the doubt, and take a breath. This is a new beginning. Let’s hope for healing and work toward unity in the months and years ahead.”