Did He Just Sieg Heil?!’ Elon Musk’s Shocking Gesture at Trump Inauguration Sparks Outrage Online
Elon Musk made a gesture during his speech at President Donald Trump’s inauguration celebration that quickly went viral on social media. Many online noted its resemblance to the Nazi “Heil Hitler” salute, sparking shock and debate.
Due to cold weather, the inauguration ceremony was moved indoors. The swearing-in took place in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, followed by a rally inside Washington, D.C.’s Capitol One Arena instead of the traditional parade.
Musk, a vocal supporter of Trump, was among the event’s speakers. According to Mediaite, Musk addressed the crowd after Trump’s swearing-in, with Trump scheduled to speak later. CNN’s Erin Burnett, reporting live, said Musk received the largest standing ovation of the day when he took the stage.
Musk entered the stage with enthusiasm, pumping his fists and shouting, “Yes! Yes! This is what victory feels like!” He described Trump’s re-election as a pivotal moment in history, calling it “a fork in the road of human civilization.” He thanked the crowd for their support, saying, “Thanks to you, the future of civilization is assured. We’re going to have safe cities, secured borders, and even take DOGE to Mars!”
During his speech, Musk placed his hand on his chest and made an outward gesture at an upward angle, holding it briefly before continuing. The gesture drew immediate reactions online, with some commentators calling it unusual and concerning.
Burnett, describing the gesture as “odd-looking,” said Musk’s speech was full of passionate remarks about Trump’s victory. Fellow anchor Kasie Hunt added that the gesture was “evocative of historical images” and pointed out Musk’s growing influence in politics, both in the U.S. and Europe. Hunt highlighted his involvement with a far-right party in Germany and his attempts to pressure UK leaders, showing his “sweeping ambitions.”
As CNN replayed the clip, Hunt noted the gesture was quick but unusual for an American political rally, encouraging viewers to draw their own conclusions. On Musk’s platform, X (formerly Twitter), reactions were far less restrained, with many expressing strong opinions about the viral moment.
