Elon Musk’s actions at Donald Trump’s inaugural festivities are still causing ripples across the internet. The SpaceX CEO’s seemingly enthusiastic arm gestures have sparked a wave of controversy, leading to intense discussions on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter). Critics and supporters alike have taken sides in what is quickly becoming a cultural flashpoint.
The Gesture That Sparked a Storm
On Monday, Musk made back-to-back arm gestures during Trump’s inauguration event that critics immediately likened to a Nazi salute. The backlash was swift, with many accusing Musk of insensitivity or worse. Musk, however, dismissed these claims outright.
“Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired,” Musk wrote on X, defending himself against the uproar.
Despite his rebuttal, the incident has fueled debates online, particularly among users on Reddit. Calls for boycotts and even the banning of X links have gained traction in various communities.
Reddit Users Call for Action
Redditors have wasted no time in reacting to Musk’s gesture. Across several subreddits, users have rallied behind the idea of banning X links, with many citing values that are at odds with Musk’s alleged actions.
One post in a Formula 1 subreddit, which garnered over 34,000 votes, read:
“I’ve seen this doing the rounds on a number of other sports-related subreddits today, and I’d like to think the values of most F1 fans generally oppose those of the person running that platform.”
Similarly, in a subreddit dedicated to Liverpool Football Club, a user proposed:
“Seems like a no-brainer to me, especially given the values of our club.” That post gained an impressive 36,000 votes.
- Formula 1 subreddit: 34,000 votes
- Liverpool FC subreddit: 36,000 votes
- Chicago Bears subreddit: 16,000 votes
The Chicago Bears subreddit added a historical angle, citing the team’s legacy of players who served in World War II. One user noted:
“Given our history, banning X links is the least we can do.”
Mixed Reactions from Experts and Institutions
The gesture has drawn responses from historians, advocacy groups, and politicians, showcasing the divisive nature of the incident. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a historian specializing in fascism, unequivocally labeled the gesture a Nazi salute, adding that it was a “very belligerent” display.
In contrast, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) called for calm:
“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… Let’s hope for healing and work toward unity in the months and years ahead.”
Representative Dan Goldman, co-chair of the House Antisemitism Task Force, was far less forgiving.
“Viewed in context, his salute can only be interpreted as a Seig Heil salute that is synonymous with Nazi support for Hitler,” he said in a strongly worded statement.
The Fallout on X
On Musk’s own platform, the conversation has been equally polarized. While some have rushed to defend him, others have pointed out patterns in Musk’s online behavior that they find troubling. References to the “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory and Musk’s support for controversial political movements have only added fuel to the fire.
Andrea Stroppa, a Rome-based adviser to Musk, briefly shared a clip of the gesture with the caption, “Roman Empire is back starting from Roman salute,” before deleting it. The post has since been widely criticized as tone-deaf.
Legal and Professional Consequences Loom
As the controversy rages on, Musk is set to lead Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during the second term. However, the department is already facing legal challenges. Three lawsuits have been filed against DOGE, accusing it of violating the Federal Advisory Committee Act, which mandates transparency in government advisory committees.
Whether these lawsuits will gain traction remains uncertain, but they add another layer of complexity to Musk’s role in Trump’s administration.
A Moment That Won’t Be Forgotten Soon
Musk’s controversial gesture, coupled with the intense reaction it has provoked, highlights how moments of perceived misstep can have far-reaching consequences. Whether it leads to lasting changes, like banning X links on Reddit, or becomes another chapter in the CEO’s storied and often divisive public life, one thing is clear: this story isn’t going away anytime soon.