Donald Trump inauguration: Elon Musk performs ‘Nazi salute’, draws outraged reaction

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk performs what looks like a Nazi salute as he speaks during the inaugural parade inside Capitol One Arena, in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. Photo/AFP

Billionaire Trump supporter Elon Musk has sparked outrage online after performing what looked like a Nazi salute during his speech to celebrate President Donald Trump’s inauguration.

In an enthusiastic response to Trump’s inauguration speech promise to send American astronauts to Mars, the Tesla, X and SpaceX owner pounded his chest and threw out his right arm in an angular motion toward the sky.

Wait, did Musk just do a Nazi salute? pic.twitter.com/VZChlQXSYv

— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) January 20, 2025

He also turned his back on the audience and repeated the gesture towards the back of the Capital One Arena stage, the Independent reported.

CNN anchors immediately picked up on the gesture.

“Standing ovation for Elon Musk. By far the biggest reception of the day,” CNN anchor Erin Burnett noted. “You saw him come out with that odd-looking salute.”

Online critics were quick to call out the close Trump ally and new DOGE (Department of Governmental Efficiency) boss for performing a Nazi salute.

“Yeah Elon gave a Sieg Heil,” one user posted on Bluesky, while others pointedly accused him of giving a “Nazi salute.”

“Our new co-president Elon Musk gives a Nazi salute on day one of Trump presidency,” Democratic strategist Sawyer Hackett tweeted while sharing a clip of the gesture.

The Jerusalem Post said another social media user posted; “Remember when Democrats called MAGA rallies “Nazi rallies?” President un-elect Elon Musk just did the Nazi Sieg Heil salute.”

The Tesla and Space X owner appeared excited by Trump’s mention of Mars in his inaugural speech, given he has reportedly urged NASA to drop its plans to return to the moon and go straight to Mars, according to Politico.

President Donald Trump said the US would launch astronauts to plant the “stars and stripes” on Mars.

“We’re gonna take DOGE to Mars!” said Musk in his speech, “Can you imagine how awesome it will be to have American astronauts plant the flag on another planet for the first time! How inspiring would that be?!”