CNN Baselessly Suggests Elon Musk Gave Nazi Salute at Trump Inauguration Rally
With a new Trump administration taking office, CNN appears poised to intensify its campaign of controversial narratives, this time targeting Elon Musk, a close ally of President Donald Trump. On Monday, CNN anchors insinuated that Musk had made a Nazi salute during his appearance at Trump’s pre-inauguration rally, sparking outrage and widespread criticism on social media.
The Alleged Gesture and CNN’s Coverage
The controversy began when CNN aired footage of Musk addressing the crowd at Trump’s inauguration rally the previous night. Musk, while thanking attendees for their support, placed his right hand over his chest before extending it outward with his palm facing downward. This moment was dissected by CNN anchors, with host Erin Burnett suggesting it was a troubling gesture.
“It was quick,” Burnett said, before inviting her colleague to weigh in. “I think our viewers are smart, and they can take a look at that. It’s not something that you typically see at American political rallies,” her colleague replied, implying a sinister connotation without outright accusation.
The Context of Musk’s Gesture
As the footage circulated, popular X influencer Collin Rugg quickly stepped in to clarify the context. Musk’s gesture came during a heartfelt moment in his speech where he expressed gratitude to the crowd for their role in Trump’s election victory.
“Thank you,” Musk said, placing his hand on his chest before extending it outward. “My heart goes out to you. It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured.” Musk also punctuated the moment with fist pumps and dance moves, energizing the crowd and showcasing his enthusiasm for the event.
Rugg characterized CNN’s coverage as yet another attempt to paint Trump and his supporters in a negative light, likening it to the network’s previous narratives accusing the MAGA movement of fascist tendencies.
Musk’s Response and Public Backlash Against CNN
In the wake of CNN’s report, Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to directly address the allegations. Quoting a follower who described the accusations as a “dirty tricks campaign,” Musk mocked the network’s narrative.
“Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired,” Musk quipped, adding a sleeping emoji to underscore his disdain for the repeated use of Nazi comparisons.
Andrea Stoppa, a close confidant of Musk, later provided additional clarity on the gesture. “That gesture, which some mistook for a Nazi salute, is simply Elon, who has autism, expressing his feelings by saying, ‘I want to give my heart to you.’ That is exactly what he communicated into the microphone. Elon dislikes extremists!” Stoppa emphasized that Musk’s actions were entirely innocent and reflected his genuine gratitude toward the crowd.
The Anti-Defamation League’s Defense of Musk
Even the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), often critical of political extremism, came to Musk’s defense. In a post on X, the organization urged Americans to tone down the use of Nazi comparisons and avoid unnecessary hysteria.
“It seems that Elon Musk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute,” the ADL stated, emphasizing that such allegations only serve to distract from meaningful discussions.
A Pattern of Controversy in Media Coverage
This latest incident adds to a long history of Trump’s political rallies being unfairly compared to dark moments in history. Critics of the MAGA movement have repeatedly attempted to draw parallels between Trump supporters and extremist ideologies. For example, Trump’s October rally at Madison Square Garden was likened to a 1939 event held there by an American Nazi Party offshoot—a comparison many dismissed as baseless and inflammatory.
However, CNN’s recent targeting of Musk has drawn particular ire due to the Tesla founder’s growing influence within the MAGA base. Musk, now often referred to as Trump’s “first buddy,” has become a prominent figure representing the administration’s ideals, frequently engaging with supporters online and amplifying their voices through his platform on X.
Why the Nazi Comparisons Are Losing Credibility
Observers have pointed out that the continued use of Nazi comparisons to attack Trump and his allies is losing its impact due to overuse. Musk himself highlighted this fatigue, referring to it as an outdated and overplayed tactic. Critics argue that such accusations detract from legitimate political discourse and alienate average Americans who view these attacks as exaggerated and divisive.