Elon Musk's Gesture at Trump's Inauguration Parade Sparks Online Chatter

Tech billionaire Elon Musk is facing online backlash after making an eyebrow-raising hand gesture at an Inauguration Day parade for President Donald Trump.

Why It Matters

Musk, the world's richest man, participated in Monday's inaugural festivities in Washington, D.C. A close ally to Trump and the largest donor to his successful 2024 presidential campaign, Musk has also been tapped by the president to lead the newly-created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

What To Know

Musk spoke briefly to a crowd of Trump supporters gathered for an indoor "Presidential Parade" at Washington's Capital One Arena shortly after the swearing-in ceremony on Monday.

After telling the audience "thank you" for reelecting Trump, Musk forcefully extended his right arm fully into the air with an outstretched straight hand while making a grunting noise. He then turned around and repeated the gesture before touching his chest and telling the crowd, "My heart goes out to you."

The gesture quickly sparked criticism online, including on Musk's social media platform X, with some commentators arguing that it resembled a salute associated with Nazi Germany.

Newsweek reached out to X via email for comment on Monday.

Elon Musk gestures during President Donald Trump's "Presidential Parade" event at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. on January 20. Musk faced backlash for the gesture on Monday. ANGELA WEISS/AFP

What People Are Saying

Democratic strategist Sawyer Hackett, on X: "Our new co-president Elon Musk gives a Nazi salute on day one of Trump presidency."

British journalist Owen Jones, on X: "This honestly could not look more like a Nazi salute."

Former Republican Congressman Joe Walsh, commenting on the moment on X: "What. Did. He. Just. Do. At. The. End. Of. This. Seven. Second. Clip?"

This is a developing story and will be updated when more information is available.