It’s official: Donald Trump is the new President of the United States and is already busy signing dozens of executive orders that will change the country’s fabric. While Trump was suppose to be the main on Monday, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk stole the show during his speech at the Presidential inauguration. While nothing he said seemed to stick, his hand gesture that looked similar to a Nazi salute went viral on social media, leading to some frustrated and disheartened reactions from both Black and White people online.
Suggested Reading
Musk responded to the controversy online, writing on X Monday evening, “Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is soooo tired.”
Even the Anti-Defamation League shockingly dismissed Musk’s gesture, writing in a statement, “This is a delicate moment. It’s a new day and yet so many are on edge. Our politics are inflamed, and social media only adds to the anxiety.”
They continued, “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. 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.”
Naturally, many Black people were surprised and disgusted by Musk’s salute and feared it represented bigotry, discrimination, and racism would be openly accepted in Trump’s government.
One person wrote on X, “Elon musk doing the a nazi salute on stage in front cameras two seconds into trump’s presidency because he knows they’ll be no repercussions because he’s basically bought the American government …just WOW.”
Black people weren’t the only ones who were shocked by Musk’s hand gesture. Many white Americans were just as angered about the billionaire’s salute and weren’t afraid to share their thoughts online.
One user wrote on X, “trump admitting to voter fraud and elon musk doing a nazi salute on stage… but nobody cares. people are willingly turning towards fascism.”
Another person added, “the two things that convince me that this is a Nazi salute are: 1. It’s exactly like a Nazi salute 2. Elon Musk is a bit of a Nazi.”
Was Musk simply doing this to rile up American citizens, or is it a sign that the United States is being run and funded by people who believe in bigotry and racism? Time will tell.
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.