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Of Course it was a Fascist Salute, Based on all Current and Past History

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2 years ago

January 21, 2025

Wiley Simms

Elon Musk’s Infamous Nazi Salute at Trump’s Inauguration: A Symbol of Far-Right Ascendancy

The Gesture That Shocked the World

On January 20, 2025, during a rally celebrating Donald Trump’s second inauguration, Elon Musk, the billionaire tech mogul and newly appointed White House advisor, delivered a speech that will be remembered not for its content but for its chilling conclusion. As Musk thanked the crowd of 20,000 Trump supporters at Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena, he extended his right arm outward, palm down, in a gesture eerily reminiscent of the Nazi salute. The moment, captured on video and broadcast globally, sparked immediate outrage and reignited debates about the growing influence of far-right ideologies in American politics.

Musk’s gesture, repeated twice for emphasis, was accompanied by the words, “My heart goes out to you. It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured.” While some dismissed it as an awkward or enthusiastic motion, historians and activists were quick to draw parallels to the infamous “Heil Hitler” salute used during the Nazi regime. Dr. Waitman Beorn, a Holocaust historian, tweeted, “That wasn’t a ‘weird salute.’ It was a Hitler salute. Because Elon is a fucking Nazi. Hope that helps!”.

Musk’s Reaction: Dismissal and Deflection

Facing a torrent of criticism, Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to downplay the incident. “Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired,” he tweeted, dismissing the backlash as a media-driven hoax. His supporters echoed this sentiment, with some claiming the gesture was merely an expression of gratitude. Ben Shapiro, a prominent conservative commentator, lashed out at critics, calling the accusations baseless and accusing the media of sensationalism.

However, Musk’s history of aligning with far-right figures and movements casts doubt on his defense. In September 2024, he promoted Tucker Carlson’s widely criticized interview with a Nazi apologist, and earlier this month, he hosted a live event with a leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has been labeled neo-Nazi by German society. These actions suggest a pattern of behavior that goes beyond mere coincidence.

Media’s Delicate Dance: Avoiding the Obvious

Despite the glaring resemblance to a Nazi salute, many media outlets opted for carefully worded headlines that avoided direct accusations. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), typically a vocal critic of antisemitism, described Musk’s gesture as an “awkward moment of enthusiasm” rather than a deliberate act. This cautious framing drew sharp criticism from progressive leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), who tweeted, “Just to be clear, you are defending a Heil Hitler salute that was performed and repeated for emphasis and clarity.”

The Broader Implications: A Dangerous Normalization

Elon Musk’s Nazi salute at Trump’s inauguration is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of behavior that signals the normalization of far-right ideologies in mainstream spaces. Musk, who has positioned himself as a visionary leader in technology and space exploration, has increasingly aligned himself with far-right figures and movements. His actions, coupled with Trump’s overt support for neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups, suggest a troubling convergence of power and ideology.

Musk’s Far-Right Connections

Musk’s ties to far-right movements extend beyond his recent controversies. In Germany, he has openly supported the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has been widely criticized for its neo-Nazi rhetoric and policies. AfD leaders have called for the deportation of immigrants and the dismantling of democratic institutions, echoing the rhetoric of the Nazi regime. Musk’s endorsement of AfD has drawn sharp criticism from German politicians and activists, who accuse him of legitimizing extremism.

In the United States, Musk has used his platform, X (formerly Twitter), to amplify far-right voices and conspiracy theories. He has hosted live events with figures like Tucker Carlson, who has been accused of promoting white nationalist ideologies, and has repeatedly engaged with antisemitic tropes and narratives. These actions have emboldened far-right groups, who see Musk as a powerful ally in their quest for legitimacy.

Trump’s Embrace of Extremism

Trump’s relationship with far-right groups is well-documented. From his refusal to condemn white supremacists in Charlottesville to his dinner with Nick Fuentes and Ye, Trump has consistently courted the support of extremists. His rhetoric during the 2024 campaign, including false claims about Haitian migrants, energized neo-Nazi groups like the Blood Tribe, who see him as a champion of their cause.

Trump’s decision to grant clemency to Stewart Rhodes and Enrique Tarrio, leaders of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, respectively, further underscores his alignment with far-right ideologies. Both groups played key roles in the January 6 insurrection, and their release has been celebrated by extremists as a victory for their movement.

Mars and the Far-Right Vision: A Nazi Society Beyond Earth?

One of the most alarming aspects of Musk’s partnership with Trump is their shared vision for Mars colonization. Musk has long championed the idea of establishing a human settlement on Mars, framing it as a solution to Earth’s environmental and social problems. However, critics fear that this vision could be co-opted by far-right groups seeking to create a racially homogeneous society free from the constraints of Earth’s laws and norms.

Project 2025 and the Destruction of Earth

The far-right agenda outlined in Project 2025, a blueprint for Trump’s second term, includes the dismantling of environmental regulations and the prioritization of corporate interests over public welfare. This agenda aligns with Musk’s vision of Mars as a “backup plan” for humanity, suggesting a willingness to abandon Earth to its fate.

As environmental degradation and social unrest escalate on Earth, the idea of a “fresh start” on Mars could appeal to far-right groups seeking to establish a new society based on their ideologies. The prospect of a Mars colony governed by far-right principles raises troubling questions about the future of humanity and the potential for a new era of authoritarianism.

Social Media Reactions: Divided and Polarized

The reaction to Musk’s gesture was sharply divided, reflecting the deep polarization of American society. While many condemned it as a blatant display of Nazi symbolism, others defended Musk, with some even mocking the outrage.

Condemnation from Progressives

Progressive leaders and activists were quick to condemn Musk’s gesture. AOC tweeted, “Just to be clear, you are defending a Heil Hitler salute that was performed and repeated for emphasis and clarity. People can officially stop listening to you as any sort of reputable source of information now”.

Others pointed to Musk’s history of aligning with far-right figures and movements, arguing that his gesture was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of behavior. “This is how authoritarianism works,” tweeted historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat. “It starts with small gestures, and before you know it, they’re normalized”.

Defense from Conservatives

Conservative commentators and Musk’s supporters dismissed the backlash as a media-driven hoax. Ben Shapiro lashed out at critics, calling the accusations baseless and accusing the media of sensationalism. “Frankly, they need better dirty tricks,” Musk tweeted. “The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired”.

Far-right groups, however, celebrated the moment. Christopher Pohlhaus, leader of the neo-Nazi Blood Tribe, shared the clip on Telegram, writing, “I don’t care if this was a mistake. I’m going to enjoy the tears over it”. Andrew Torba, founder of the far-right platform Gab, called it “incredible,” while the Proud Boys chapter in Ohio posted the clip with the caption “Heil Trump”.

A Troubling Future

Elon Musk’s Nazi salute at Trump’s inauguration is more than a fleeting controversy—it is a symbol of the far-right’s growing influence in American politics. As Trump and Musk forge ahead with their vision of a new era, the lines between democracy and authoritarianism, Earth and Mars, are becoming increasingly blurred.

The question now is whether the American public will continue to tolerate these dangerous flirtations with fascism or whether they will rise to defend the principles of democracy and equality. As AOC aptly put it, “People can officially stop listening to you as any sort of reputable source of information now”.

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