Elon Musk insists the arm-thrust he made at Trump’s 2017 inauguration wasn’t a Nazi salute. He says every politician and public speaker has done the same.
🤷 “Random hand gesture,” not Hitler tribute
Speaking to CNBC, Musk dismissed critics who labelled him a Nazi for that move. He explained, “I was gesturing ‘my heart goes out to you.’” He slammed the legacy media for framing it as deliberate.
🧐 “Everyone’s done it” defence
Musk added:
“Any politician, any public speaker who has spoken for any length of time has made the exact same gesture.”
He argued that it’s a universal flourish—nothing more sinister.
⚡ Far-right praise, German fury
The gesture drew cheers from the far right and outrage in Germany. That split reaction, Musk says, “should tell you all you need to know.”
🚨 Back to business
This stunt was one of several controversies brewing around Musk. Reports now say he’ll step back from any White House role to refocus on Tesla and SpaceX.
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