The Anti-Defamation League, a nonprofit focused on combating antisemitism around the globe, has issued a statement on the “awkward” gesture made by tech billionaire Elon Musk on Monday, which some have dubbed 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 X, the social media platform owned by Musk. “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 made the gesture while speaking at President Trump’s celebratory event. During his speech, he placed his right arm on the left side of his chest and then extended his arm straight across to the right side while saying, “My heart goes out to you. And it’s thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured.”
He made the gesture twice, turning so both sides of the arena could see him do it as he spoke.
Since the moment was caught on camera, many have criticized Musk, comparing what he did to the Nazi salute from World War II.
Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a history professor at New York University, shared in a post on Bluesky that Musk’s salute was a Nazi gesture.
“Historian of fascism here. It was a Nazi salute and a very belligerent one too,” Ben-Ghiat wrote.
Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) shared on X his thoughts on the situation, slamming Musk.
“I never imagined we would see the day when what appears to be a Heil Hitler salute would be made behind the Presidential seal,” Nadler wrote. “This abhorrent gesture has no place in our society and belongs in the darkest chapters of human history. I urge all of my colleagues to unite in condemning this hateful gesture for what it is: antisemitism.”
Others have come to Musk’s defense, saying that the cross-body salute was his expression of his heart going out to the crowd.
“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.”
“Can we please retire the calling people a Nazi thing?” one user wrote on X.
Musk replied, saying, “Yeah exactly” with a “yawning” emoji.
The response from the ADL has also sparked discourse, as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said its defense of Musk is a hit to the organization’s credibility.
“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.”