A handful of right-wing extremists have taken to social media, gushing over Elon Musk’s bizarre onstage gesture during Donald Trump’s inauguration—calling it a victory for their cause. Musk, who’d come out to thank voters for “saving civilisation,” left many onlookers stunned when he raised his arm in a style critics have likened to the infamous “Roman Salute,” historically associated with Nazi Germany.
A Salute That Sparked a Storm
Musk’s double move—hand on chest, then arm extended—has triggered intense debate online. While some insist it was simply an overzealous thank-you, others claim it’s reminiscent of an authoritarian symbol. Rolling Stone reports that extremist groups have enthusiastically latched onto the viral clip, turning it into a badge of honour.
Neo-Nazis and Extremists Rejoice
- Christopher Pohlhaus, the leader of neo-Nazi group Blood Tribe, re-shared the clip with a lightning bolt emoji reminiscent of the Nazi SS.
- Christopher Hood, founder of the race-separatist movement NSC-131, echoed the sentiment with provocative emojis.
- Andrew Torba, far-right Gab founder (who pioneered AI-powered Nazi chatbots), gleefully posted: “Incredible things are happening already lmao.”
- Self-described ethno-nationalist Keith Woods posted: “Ok maybe woke really is dead.”
- Thomas Sewell (Australia-based neo-Nazi) labelled it a “Donald Trump White Power moment.”
- The Proud Boys Ohio chapter shared the clip on Telegram, declaring: “Hail Trump!”
As bizarre as Musk’s salute was, it’s the subsequent zeal from extremist corners that’s sending chills down the internet’s spine. While Musk himself has yet to clarify the gesture, his silence may only be fuelling these new, unsettling interpretations.
A Provocative Moment for a Global Audience
In a political climate already fraught with tension, this is hardly the note Musk—or Trump—would have wanted to strike on Inauguration Day. Yet, the clip continues to spread across major social media platforms, prompting fears of more extremist rhetoric taking root.
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