In a spectacle sparking widespread outrage and debate, Elon Musk, billionaire entrepreneur and major shareholder of companies (Tesla and SpaceX, among others), performed what many have described as a ‘fascist salute’ during Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The incident occurred not once, but twice during the event, a moment captured and circulated widely on social media and news outlets. While Musk has remained uncharacteristically blasé about the gesture, the implications have reverberated globally, reigniting discussions about the history and symbolism of the salute, and Musk’s flirtations with populist right ideologies.
Adding fuel to the controversy, The Telegraph posted on social media the evening of the inauguration, describing Musk’s actions as a “Roman salute.” This phrasing drew immediate backlash, with many accusing the paper of downplaying the gesture’s fascist connotations. Social media erupted, arguing that this sanitised a symbol inextricably linked to some of history’s darkest chapters. Critics argued that calling it a ‘Roman salute’ rather than a ‘fascist salute’ obscured the gesture’s hateful implications, providing a veneer of historical legitimacy to what many viewed as an explicit endorsement of fascist ideologies.
The historical roots of the fascist salute
To understand the significance of Musk’s actions, let’s delve into the history of the gesture itself. Commonly associated with Nazi Germany, the fascist salute – arm extended straight out and angled slightly upward – was adopted by Hitler’s regime as a symbol of allegiance and supremacy. However, its origins predate the 20th century. Known historically as the ‘Roman salute’, it’s said to have been used in ancient Rome as a gesture of loyalty and respect. However, this is disputed by many historians, arguing that the Roman salute is more a myth popularised through 18th-century art and literature.
The gesture gained modern prominence in 1914 when it was featured in the Italian silent film Cabiria. The movie salute influenced nationalist movements in Italy, and in 1923, Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime co-opted it as a symbol of unity and power, evoking the grandeur of the Roman Empire. It was infamously adopted by Hitler and the Nazi Party, cementing its association with fascism, totalitarianism, and the atrocities of World War II. Given this fraught history, use of the gesture today – intentional or otherwise—is almost universally condemned as a symbol of hate and oppression.
Populist right pandering or autistic mishap?
Some observers have speculated that Musk’s controversial gesture may have been a calculated attempt to win back favour with far-right groups like the Proud Boys. This argument stems from the backlash Musk faced after endorsing the H-1B visa programme, which allows highly skilled foreign workers to take jobs in the United States.
This stance angered many within populist right circles, who oppose immigration policies perceived as threatening American workers. By performing the salute, some believe Musk may have been attempting to realign himself with such groups and mitigate the fallout from his earlier position. On Telegram, the preferred social media site for these groups, Musk’s behaviour that day was lauded.
Amid the criticism, some rushed to Musk’s defence, claiming his actions were unintentional, possibly linked to his autism. Musk has publicly identified as being on the autism spectrum; his defenders argue that his condition could explain behaviours that might be misinterpreted by others. This defence, however, has sparked its own backlash, with individuals criticising the use of autism as an excuse for what many see as a deliberate act.
Musk’s troubling track record
This is not the first time Elon Musk has been embroiled in controversy over his political leanings and public statements. Recently, Musk has faced growing criticism for his endorsements of far-right groups and conspiracy theories. Since acquiring the platform, which he controversially rebranded to X, his Twitter activity has been a source of inflammatory rhetoric and amplification of divisive narratives.
Musk has been accused of promoting misinformation and giving a platform to figures known for propagating hate speech. He has also interacted positively with accounts linked to far-right movements, endorsing conspiracy theories about the attack on Paul Pelosi, Covid Vaccinations, Blood Libel and Pizzagate. Such actions have alarmed many who saw Musk as a visionary innovator, but now question the ethical implications of his influence.
One particularly troubling incident occurred during the race riots in the UK last summer. Musk’s platform was used to disseminate false information that inflamed tensions between communities. Musk himself reposted and endorsed a now debunked post which falsely identified the perpetrator of the Southport attacks as an immigrant, when in fact they were from Wales. Critics argue that Musk’s lax moderation policies and penchant for amplifying divisive voices played a significant role in fuelling the unrest.
Public and political reactions
Musk’s decision to reinstate banned accounts on Twitter, including individuals removed for violating hate speech policies, was widely condemned. Critics argue his move has emboldened extremists and contributed to a more toxic online environment. Additionally, Musk’s repeated attacks on mainstream media and tendency to align with anti-democratic narratives, have further distanced him from his earlier reputation as a forward-thinking entrepreneur.
In response to the growing criticism over his actions at Trump’s inauguration, Musk took to X, issuing a dismissive statement: “Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired,” seemingly mocking those who condemned his gesture. The post has further polarised public opinion, with some applauding his defiance, others viewing it as a cavalier dismissal of legitimate concerns.
The fallout from Musk’s salute has been swift and severe. World Media, including Zeit Online, political leaders, and public figures have condemned the gesture.
Social media has been ablaze with calls for Musk to clarify his actions. Others, however, have defended Musk, claiming the gesture was misinterpreted – an argument that has done little to quell the controversy.
A moment of reckoning
The controversy surrounding Elon Musk’s alleged fascist salute is indicative of a larger cultural and political reckoning. In an era defined by polarisation and the rise of authoritarianism, actions and symbols carry heightened significance. As a prominent world figure, Musk’s behaviour – intentional or otherwise – has far-reaching consequences.
Musk’s dismissive response on X speaks volumes. For someone usually quick to engage with criticism, his decision to mock rather than address concerns directly has only intensified scrutiny. Many see it as a tacit acknowledgment of guilt; others view it as a strategic move to avoid further inflaming tensions.
Elon Musk’s actions at Donald Trump’s inauguration have cast a long shadow over his public image. Whether the gesture was an intentional display of populist right allegiance or a misunderstood moment, the fallout has been significant. Coupled with his recent history of amplifying far-right ideologies, Musk’s behaviour raises pressing questions about the responsibilities of influential figures in shaping public discourse and values.
As the world grapples with the resurgence of extremist ideologies, the importance of accountability and clarity cannot be overstated. For Musk, the stakes are higher than ever. His actions and his response to the controversy will undoubtedly shape how he is remembered in history: as a trailblazing innovator or a polarising figure complicit in the spread of hate and division.
For now, perhaps Led By Donkeys have had the final say with their light-up of the Tesla Gigafactory in Berlin
