Fury as Elon Musk appears to do 'Nazi salute' at Trump inauguration rally

20 January 2025, 21:05 | Updated: 20 January 2025, 21:11

Musk speaking at the Capital One Arena
Musk speaking at the Capital One Arena. Picture: Getty

By Josef Al Shemary

Elon Musk has drawn criticism for a confusing gesture that has been branded a 'Nazi salute' by social media users.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Elon Musk has been blasted by social media users for doing what they called a 'Nazi salute' on stage.

Musk's gesture was aimed at a crowd of Trump supporters at the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. as part of celebrations following Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th President of the United States earlier today.

Musk's confusing gesture that has been branded a 'nazi salute'.
Musk's confusing gesture that has been branded a 'nazi salute'. Picture: Getty

Musk thanked the crowd for making Trump's election win happen, and proceeded to place his right hand on his chest and raise it in the air.

Social media users immediately shared their shock at the gesture, accusing the tech billionaire of performing a 'Hitler salute'.

The video shared on X did not show the rest of Musk's speech, which did not mention Nazism or hate speech.

Some social media users defended Musk, saying he was "extending his heart to the crowd.

"This account took it out of context to make it look like the Roman salute."

Elon Musk took the stage at the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. and told the crowd "Elections come and go, some are important and some are not, but this one really mattered and I just want to say thank you for making it happen."

He added: "it is thanks to you that the future of civilisation is assured".

Musk, the richest man on Earth, jumped around on stage and asked how "awesome" it would be for US astronauts to reach Mars.

Musk asked the crowd: "Can you imagine how awesome it will be to have American astronauts plant the flag on another planet for the first time?"

He then imitated planting a flag pole into the stage.

He added “we're going to take Doge to Mars," in reference to the Department of Government Efficiency that he will be in charge of.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Claire Lewis is a former prison officer, was left with life-threatening injuries being attacked at HMP Frankland in 2010 and has been unable to work ever since. Claire is campaigning for mandatory protective gear for all prison staff in the UK.

Former prison officer stabbed by inmate calls for mandatory protective gear

Second World War veteran Alan Kennett

VE Day veteran remembers 'gobsmacking' moment he bumped into father during Normandy invasion

Metropolitan Police In London

Terror attack on UK was 'hours away' as police thwart plot with raids across Britain

King Charles will lead VE Day celebrations

King Charles to lead four days of VE Day celebrations as nation marks 80th anniversary of Second World War victory

Jack Draper in the Madrid Open final

Heartbreak for British number one Jack Draper as Casper Ruud victorious in Madrid Open final

US pop star Lady Gaga performs during her concert at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro.

Lady Gaga breaks silence after planned attack on mass concert at Rio de Janeiro beach thwarted

Henley-on-Thames, UK. 4th May, 2025. In preparation for the 80th anniversary of VE Day celebrations, Mill Meadows has been decorated with a giant VE Day logo. Credit: Uwe Deffner/Alamy Live News

VE Day 2025: Everything you need to know as RAF flypast route revealed

Mia Shem

Hamas hostage, 23, 'raped by personal trainer influencer in her own home' after return to Israel

Family members have paid tribute to Layton.

Fourteen children arrested after boy dies in fire near industrial estate released on bail

The Colosseum in Rome

US tourist left 'impaled on Rome's Colosseum railings for 20 minutes' in horror accident

RB Leipzig v FC Bayern München - 1. Bundesliga

Harry Kane wins first major trophy as Bayern Munich crowned German champions for 33rd time

Layton Carr died in the fire

Tributes pour in for boy killed in tragic Gateshead fire as 14 children arrested for manslaughter

University College London

University society says 'we can't sit back' after student's union suspends it over 'drone purchases for Ukraine'

Brooklyn was missing from the celebrations

Victoria shares snaps from David Beckham's star-studded 50th birthday bash amid 'feud' with Brooklyn

A woman has died after a collision in Rochdale.

Woman dies after car rams pedestrians in horror crash, with a child and three others injured

Jasmine has been missing since April 11

Police release new CCTV images as they continue desperate hunt for missing woman