Elon Musk’s Salute to Trump Crowd Condemned as Nazi Signal: ‘What the Actual F–k?’ | Video

Andi Ortiz
.January 20, 2025

Elon Musk was among the many Donald Trump supporters and appointees present in Washington D.C. for Monday’s inauguration ceremony, and he even gave a speech during the rally event later that afternoon.

His address quickly went viral online — primarily because he appeared to give a Nazi salute while thanking the crowd for their support. The moment came just before 3 p.m. ET.

“Some elections are important, some are not. But this one, this one really mattered and I just want to say thank you for making it happen,” he said. After doing so, Musk placed the hand of his right arm to his chest, and forcefully thrust it out, fingers together and palm down, closely resembling the salute used at Nazi rallies to show support to Adolf Hitler.

“My heart goes out to you,” he said, after doing the salute a second time. “It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured. Thanks to you.”

Watch the moment via PBS below.

Billionaire Elon Musk gave what appeared to be a fascist salute Monday while making a speech at the post-inauguration celebration for President Donald Trump at the Capital One Arena.

“Some elections are important, some are not. But this one, this one really mattered and I just… pic.twitter.com/K8Fo0sdozL
— PBS News (@NewsHour) January 20, 2025

One social media user even created a side-by-side of Musk and Hitler doing the gesture, writing, “This is absolutely incredible. That thumb and hand are perfectly rigid and his arm is at the exact same angle.”

Elon Musk just did a full "Hail Hitler" Nazi salute at Trump's inauguration. This is absolutely incredible. That thumb and hand are perfectly rigid and his arm is at the exact same angle. Full video of this is in the comments below. pic.twitter.com/wEc1LXSSEm
— Roberto Shenanigans (@Rob_Shenanigans) January 20, 2025

Many were in disbelief at the brazenness of the act, with one writing, “That moment will live in infamy.”

“You all know what he just did. Don’t try to hide from it,” another wrote. “Our unelected co-president just celebrated his theft of our government with a Nazi salute. This is what we’ve been warning you about for 10 years. Well, it’s here.”

That is 1000% a Nazi salute being given behind the presidential podium on Inauguration Day (also MLK day) by the richest person on the planet. That moment will live in infamy. pic.twitter.com/dkfVMC5Fpk
— Kahlief "Positivity Peddler” Adams (@KahliefAdams) January 20, 2025

Is it good when the richest man in America who has an office in the White House is doing Nazi salutes on Day 1? pic.twitter.com/vGggHyx1CM
— B.W. Carlin (@BaileyCarlin) January 20, 2025

Musk has a history of making Nazi jokes on social media, and back in September, the X CEO promoted former Fox News host Tucker Carlson’s widely condemned interview with a Nazi apologist (but he later deleted the post, in a rare move for the billionaire).

He also drew criticism earlier this month, when he held a live event on X with a leader of the German anti-immigrant, far-right political party Alternative for Germany (AfD).

You can see more reactions to Musk’s move below.

Elon Musk just sieg heiled on stage. What the actual fuck? pic.twitter.com/j5C5XgBEuA
— Right Wing Cope (@RightWingCope) January 20, 2025

Our new co-president Elon Musk gives a Nazi salute on day one of Trump presidency. pic.twitter.com/sJJUyJavDO
— Sawyer Hackett (@SawyerHackett) January 20, 2025