The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) came to the defense of Elon Musk on Monday after the billionaire sparked controversy with a gesture that some on social media interpreted as a “Nazi salute.”
There’s no way to sugarcoat this. This is the Nazi salute. This is the Nazi f—ing salute. https://t.co/qvpwyrV6Gm
— Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) January 21, 2025
Elon Musk Called This Financial News 'Terrifying'
The organization dismissed the claims, calling the gesture an “awkward moment of enthusiasm” rather than a Nazi salute.
“It seems that [Musk] made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute,” the ADL posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
CNN is suggesting that Elon did a Nazi salute during his speech at the Capital One Arena.
He was literally motioning “my heart goes out to you.”
This is why no one trusts the fake media. pic.twitter.com/QggfN0LKgu
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 20, 2025
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The incident occurred during the Inauguration Day parade inside Capital One Arena, where Musk, 53, placed his right hand over his heart before extending his arm outward.
The gesture appeared to symbolize gratitude toward supporters of President Donald Trump.
“Thank you for making it happen. Thank you, my heart goes out to you,” Musk said as he made the gesture, addressing the crowd.
DO NOT BELIEVE THE MEDIA
The media is misleading you. Elon Musk never did a Nazi salute. Watch the full video: He simply gestured and said, “Thank you, my heart goes out to you.” pic.twitter.com/e3vBaLoVqx
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) January 20, 2025
The ADL acknowledged the sensitive nature of the moment, particularly given the heightened political climate surrounding Trump’s return to the White House.
The organization noted that many Americans are on edge during this period.
“Trump’s first day back in office is a delicate moment for some people,” the ADL wrote. “Our politics are inflamed, and social media only adds to the anxiety.”
The ADL urged both sides of the political spectrum to exercise restraint and avoid jumping to conclusions, advocating for unity and understanding in the wake of the controversy.
“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 added.
“This is a new beginning. Let’s hope for healing and work toward unity in the months and years ahead.”
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.
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…
— ADL (@ADL) January 20, 2025
You can watch Elon’s full talk below:
My talk today at the Presidential Parade
pic.twitter.com/qCAxYQb7LN— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 21, 2025
Frankly, they need better dirty tricks.
The “everyone is Hitler” attack is sooo tired https://t.co/9fIqS5mWA0
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 21, 2025
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Musk, known for his leadership of Tesla and SpaceX, played a pivotal role in President Trump’s re-election campaign.
According to reports, Musk contributed approximately $250 million during the campaign’s final stretch, funding political action committees (PACs) and other groups to support digital advertising and voter outreach efforts.
During the presidential transition, Musk spent considerable time at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.
His efforts were recognized with a significant appointment in Trump’s administration.
Musk has been named the head of the newly created Department of Governmental Efficiency, a role that will focus on streamlining federal operations.
The gesture, intended as a show of gratitude, ignited a firestorm on social media, with critics on the left accusing Musk of mimicking a fascist salute.
However, Musk’s supporters and others dismissed the claims as baseless, pointing out the context of the event and his words at the time.
Musk has yet to directly address the backlash, but the ADL’s statement appears to have quelled some of the uproar.
The organization’s call for a measured response and focus on unity reflects its broader mission of combating antisemitism while fostering understanding in divisive times.
As Trump begins his second term in office, Musk’s involvement in both the campaign and the administration signals his ongoing influence in the political and technological arenas.
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