Elon Musk has sparked significant controversy following his gesture during Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony, which many interpreted as resembling a Nazi salute. This incident overshadowed the inauguration festivities, leading to outrage and even resignations from prominent political figures, including Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz, who announced she would leave the social media platform X as a result.
Backlash from European Politicians
During a post-inauguration rally, Musk thanked Trump’s supporters while extending a stiff right arm towards the crowd, a gesture that drew immediate backlash. Many perceived it as reminiscent of a Nazi salute, prompting Díaz to describe the moment as “stark” and criticize Musk for utilizing X as a propaganda tool. Following her lead, Spain’s Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun also decided to quit the platform in protest.
German Concerns Over Musk’s Actions
Musk’s actions received sharp criticism in Germany as well, particularly for his perceived alignment with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach expressed concern over Musk’s gesture, given his known associations with right-wing populism, urging that such behavior should alarm any pro-democracy advocate.
Divided Opinions Among Experts
Debate surrounding Musk’s gesture continues, with some experts labeling it an outright Nazi salute. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a historian of fascism, stated it was indeed belligerent, while others echoed the sentiment that normalizing such gestures is harmful. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) weighed in, initially stating that the gesture seemed awkward rather than malicious but acknowledged the heightened sensitivities around the topic.
Right-Wing Support and Musk’s Indifference
In the aftermath, right-wing extremists and nationalists celebrated Musk’s actions, irrespective of their intent. Figures from extremist groups took to social media to endorse his gesture, reinforcing divisions within the public discourse. Musk himself appeared indifferent to the controversy, sharing a post that downplayed the seriousness of the accusations, indicating a broader societal challenge regarding the normalization of such gestures.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The Hindustan Times
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