Source: ANGELA WEISS / Getty
his
post-inauguration speech bumblings, Melania Trump’s hat, and the general tension with the Democrats, the inauguration was full of awkward moments.
But one moment takes the crown regarding the outrageousness of 2024’s inauguration day, and it belongs to
Elon Musk.
The billionaire
Tesla founder being in Trump’s ear has earned him the made-up title of leading government efficiency drive and a chance to hop on stage at Trump’s inauguration and give his own speech. But it got a little more intense when he did more than talk about his affinity for Mars when he made an arm gesture that reminded the internet of the Nazi salute.
“This was no ordinary victory. This was a fork in the road of human civilization. This one really mattered. Thank you for making it happen! Thank you,” he said at Capital One Arena.
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As the crowd cheered, he slapped his hand across his chest and forcefully shot it in the air with his fingers tightened. Then, he doubled down, turned to the crowd behind him, and did the same thing.
As outrage poured out over the hateful gesture, Musk didn’t apologize,
tweeting, “Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired.”
While the internet raked him over the coals, the ADL, who fights against antisemitism, asked people to overlook the 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,” its tweet read. “In this moment, all sides should give one another a bit of grace, perhaps even the benefit of the doubt, and take a breath. This is a new beginning. Let’s hope for healing and work toward unity in the months and years ahead.”
Musk replied: “Thanks, guys,” with a crying, laughing emoji.
See how social media is reacting to Musk’s latest blunder below.
