At President Trump’s inauguration event, Elon Musk made a gesture that sparked intense debate. Musk placed his hand on his chest before raising his arm diagonally upward, resembling what some identified as a Nazi salute. The gesture, performed twice, drew mixed reactions, with interpretations ranging from clumsy enthusiasm to a deliberate “Roman salute.” While the Anti-Defamation League dismissed it as an awkward movement, critics, especially in Germany, saw it as problematic due to the gesture’s historical ties.

The straight-arm salute, commonly linked to Nazi Germany and Italian fascism, has a complex history. Though often referred to as a "Roman salute," there is no evidence it was used in ancient Rome. Instead, it gained popularity in 19th-century theater and early 20th-century films. It was later adopted by Italian nationalist Gabriele D’Annunzio, and then by Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler, becoming an infamous symbol of fascist regimes.

Interestingly, a similar salute existed in the U.S. until 1942. Known as the Bellamy salute, it accompanied the Pledge of Allegiance and involved extending the arm outward after placing the hand on the chest. However, it was discontinued during World War II to avoid associations with Nazi symbolism.

Musk’s gesture has drawn scrutiny, especially given his ties to far-right politicians. In Germany, such gestures are illegal due to the Nazi era's lasting scars. Critics warn that public figures must be cautious, as ambiguous gestures can be interpreted as empowering extremist ideologies. While Musk dismissed the criticism, calling it exaggerated, the incident underscores the challenges of interpreting symbols in a highly charged political climate.

Globally, the controversy highlights ongoing sensitivities around historical symbols, especially as far-right movements resurface in many countries, fueling debates about accountability and the impact of public gestures.