Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Donald Trump’s administration, has found himself in the center of yet another controversy. His actions during Trump’s inauguration on Monday have ignited a storm online, with critics alleging that Musk performed a Nazi-style salute. The fallout has been swift, with Reddit users proposing bans on links to Musk’s social media platform, X.
The Gesture That Sparked Outrage
During Trump’s inaugural festivities, Musk made two emphatic arm gestures that many online likened to a Nazi salute. Critics quickly condemned the act, describing it as inappropriate and deeply offensive. While some defended the gesture as a Roman salute, others argued that the historical implications and timing of such a move were inexcusable.
In response to the criticism, Musk took to X, his own platform, to dismiss the allegations. “Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired,” he wrote. But Musk’s comments did little to quell the outrage, with accusations continuing to circulate across social media and news outlets.
Reddit Reacts: Proposals to Ban X Links
The controversy has spilled over to Reddit, where users on various subreddits have called for banning links to X, citing Musk’s recent actions and the platform’s reputation for fostering divisive content. The posts have gained significant traction, with thousands of upvotes and widespread support across diverse communities.
- On a Formula 1 subreddit, one user’s post urging a ban garnered over 34,000 votes. The user argued, “I’d like to think the values of most F1 fans generally oppose those of the person running that platform.”
- A Liverpool Football Club subreddit saw a similar proposal, where another user wrote, “Seems like a no-brainer to me, especially given the values of our club.” This post accumulated 36,000 votes, reflecting widespread agreement within the community.
- A Chicago Bears subreddit also joined the chorus, with a post referencing the team’s history and values, receiving 16,000 votes in favor of the ban.
These calls for action highlight the growing discontent with Musk’s leadership and the impact of his controversial gestures on public perception.
Scholars and Advocates Weigh In
Historians and advocacy groups have added their voices to the debate, emphasizing the significance of Musk’s gesture and its broader implications. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a historian of fascism, categorically labeled the act a Nazi salute. “It was a Nazi salute and a very belligerent one too,” she stated on X.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) struck a more measured tone, acknowledging the anxiety of the moment. “This is a delicate moment… 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,” the ADL wrote in a post. The group called for grace and unity in navigating the fallout.
However, others took a harder stance. Democratic Representative Dan Goldman accused Musk of enabling antisemitism through his platform and called the gesture a Sieg Heil salute synonymous with Nazi support.
Implications for Musk and DOGE
Musk’s role as the head of DOGE under Trump’s administration adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The department is already under scrutiny, facing lawsuits alleging violations of transparency rules. Critics argue that the controversy surrounding Musk’s gesture only further undermines the credibility of the department.
The lawsuits, filed by progressive groups, accuse DOGE of failing to adhere to the Federal Advisory Committee Act. This 1972 law mandates that federal advisory committees operate transparently and accountably—standards that opponents say DOGE has not met.
What’s Next?
As the controversy unfolds, Musk’s leadership and public image remain in the spotlight. While his defenders argue that the backlash is overblown, the incident raises important questions about the responsibilities of public figures and the impact of their actions on public discourse.
For now, Reddit’s proposals to ban X links signal a tangible shift in public sentiment. Whether these actions lead to broader repercussions for Musk and his platforms remains to be seen, but the conversation around accountability, symbolism, and leadership is far from over.
