Published January 21, 2025

As of yesterday, January 20th, 2025, Donald J. Trump has started his second presidential term 
as the 47th president of the United States of America. His inauguration had many famous guest
appearances in attendance, of which included Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, 
Shou Zi Chew, CEO of TikTok, and of course, Elon Musk.

Musk gave a speech during President Trump's rally yesterday. 58 seconds into his speech,
Musk put his right hand over his heart, fingers spread wide, and proceeded to empathetically
extended his arm outwards, fingers together, at an upwards angle. He then repeated the action
to the crowd behind him and immediately followed up with "My heart goes out to you. 
It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured". 

Many saw this gesture as Elon Musk performing the infamous Nazi salute. 
The internet very quickly had some words to say. Musk defended his actions in an attempt to
debunk these claims on X, formally known as Twitter, by labeling these claims as "tired attacks".
"Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The 'everyone is Hitler' attack is sooo tired". 
The Anti-Defamation League also defended these claims on X, "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," they posted on Monday.

Whether Elon Musk actually did the Nazi salute during President Trump's inauguration rally, 
or rather, how he meant to come across, is up for debate. All we can say is that it's hard to throw
your heart out to the crowd with open palms.

Sources:

• Reuters
• BBC News
• 9News