ADL: 'Awkward' Musk gesture 'not a Nazi salute': 'This is a delicate moment'
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a nonprofit focused on combating antisemitism, defended tech billionaire Elon Musk’s “awkward” gesture during a Monday celebratory event which some critics panned as a fascist salute.
“This is a delicate moment. It’s a new day and yet so many are on edge. Our politics are inflamed, and social media only adds to the anxiety,” the ADL wrote in a Monday post on Musk's social platform X. “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.”
Musk ignited speculation online during his Monday speech at President Trump’s celebratory event; while addressing the large crowd he placed his right arm on the left side of his chest and extended the arm straight across from left to the right side. The Tesla CEO then turned around and made the gesture again.
“My heart goes out to you,” Musk told the crowd after making the gesture. “And it’s thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured.”
Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) was one of many critics who slammed the SpaceX executive and Trump’s ally, writing Monday on X that “I never imagined we would see the day when what appears to be a Heil Hitler salute would be made behind the Presidential seal.”
Others have backed Musk, saying the tech mogul made the cross-body salute right before telling the crowd in Washington that his heart goes out to them and the gesture was intended to emphasize it.
“In this moment, all sides should give one another a bit of grace, perhaps even the benefit of the doubt, and take a breath,” the ADL said. “This is a new beginning. Let’s hope for healing and work toward unity in the months and years ahead.”
Progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) hammered the ADL over its defense of Musk, arguing the organization’s credibility has vanished.
“Just to be clear, you are defending a Heil Hitler salute that was performed and repeated for emphasis and clarity,” Ocasio-Cortez said Monday on X. “People can officially stop listening to you as any sort of reputable source of information now. You work for them. Thank you for making that crystal clear to all.”
The ADL has at times over the past year clashed with progressives over their criticisms of Israel's handling of the war in Gaza.
-
Musk responds to backlash over gesture at Trump rally
The billionaire says his critics "need better dirty tricks" after a gesture likened to a Nazi salute.BBC News - 2h -
‘The gesture speaks for itself’: Germans respond to Musk’s apparent Nazi salute
Some say it was an unambiguous Nazi salute but others are unsure and say focus should be on Musk’s stated support for far-right. Did Elon Musk give a Nazi or Roman salute, and what’s the ...The Guardian - 6h -
Neo-Nazis Love the Nazi-Like Salutes Elon Musk Made at Trump’s Inauguration
The far right is celebrating what it views as a clear signal from the X owner and Donald Trump associate, who made the gestures onstage Monday.Wired - 1d -
Stefanik, Murphy clash over Musk gesture at confirmation hearing
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) clashed during her confirmation hearing with Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) over comparisons of Elon Musk’s gesture during an Inauguration Day speech to a Nazi salute. ...The Hill - 3h -
Did Elon Musk give a Nazi or Roman salute, and what’s the difference?
Historians say Musk clearly made Nazi salute – but supporter claims he was inspired by Roman greeting adopted by Benito Mussolini. The back-to-back gestures were swift and enthusiastic, and they ...The Guardian - 5h -
Musk on salute blowback: 'Frankly, they need better dirty tricks'
Elon Musk responded to criticism of his gesture during a post-inauguration speech on Monday, saying those comparing it to a Nazi salute were deploying "dirty tricks." “Frankly, they need better ...The Hill - 11h -
Nadler condemns 'what appears to be a Heil Hitler salute' from Musk
Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) was among those who sharply criticized billionaire Elon Musk on Monday for making "what appears to be a Heil Hitler salute" during an event celebrating the inauguration ...The Hill - 23h -
Elon Musk's gesture at Trump rally draws scrutiny
He made the gesture while thanking supporters for contributing to Trump's victory.BBC News - 1d -
Watch: Awkward moments from past US presidential inaugurations
Watch some of the most surprising moments in the history of presidential inaugurations.BBC News - 3d
More from The Hill
-
Trump on the warpath: First female Coast Guard commandant ousted, more firings expected
Presented by Lockheed Martin — {beacon} Defense &National Security Defense &National Security PRESENTED BY LOCKHEED MARTIN The Big Story Trump on the warpath: First female Coast Guard commandant ...The Hill - 6m -
Democrats name their DOGE Subcommittee members
House Democrats have named their members to sit on the DOGE Subcommittee, a sign that they’re willing to work across the aisle with the new administration. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) announced ...The Hill - 8m -
Trump explains why he revoked Bolton's security clearance
President Trump on Tuesday explained why he revoked former national security adviser John Bolton’s security clearance. “I think there was enough time. We take a job, you take a job, you want to do ...The Hill - 19m -
Scalise has 'great meeting' with Kevin O'Leary at White House
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) said he had a “great meeting" with Kevin O’Leary on Tuesday at the White House. “It’s a new era of AMERICAN business growth with President Trump back in ...The Hill - 46m -
Four major climate, energy moves included in Trump's day one executive orders
President Trump issued a broad slew of energy policies and efforts to roll back environmental protections on his first day in office. The moves excited supporters and the fossil fuel industry. ...The Hill - 49m
More in Politics
-
Trump on the warpath: First female Coast Guard commandant ousted, more firings expected
Presented by Lockheed Martin — {beacon} Defense &National Security Defense &National Security PRESENTED BY LOCKHEED MARTIN The Big Story Trump on the warpath: First female Coast Guard commandant ...The Hill - 6m -
Democrats name their DOGE Subcommittee members
House Democrats have named their members to sit on the DOGE Subcommittee, a sign that they’re willing to work across the aisle with the new administration. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) announced ...The Hill - 8m -
Trump explains why he revoked Bolton's security clearance
President Trump on Tuesday explained why he revoked former national security adviser John Bolton’s security clearance. “I think there was enough time. We take a job, you take a job, you want to do ...The Hill - 19m -
22 states sue Trump administration over birthright citizenship order
President Trump invoked presidential powers to begin his long-promised immigration crackdown shortly after taking office on Monday.CBS News - 28m -
Scalise has 'great meeting' with Kevin O'Leary at White House
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) said he had a “great meeting" with Kevin O’Leary on Tuesday at the White House. “It’s a new era of AMERICAN business growth with President Trump back in ...The Hill - 46m