Media Splits on Labeling Elon Musk's Rally Gesture a 'Nazi Salute'

Some news outlets said a gesture by Elon Musk at an inaugural rally appeared to be a fascist salute. Others deferred judgement.

The Details: Musk delivered a speech at a Monday rally in downtown Washington, D.C. celebrating the inauguration of President Donald Trump. At one point, he said, “Some elections are important, some are not… but this one really mattered. And I just want to say thank you for making it happen.” He then performed a gesture which was described by New Republic (Left bias) as “unambiguously” a “fascist symbol,” but by National Review News (Lean Right) as “miming the act of throwing his heart to the crowd.” After performing the gesture twice to different sections of the audience, Musk said, “My heart goes out to you. It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured.”

How the Media Covered It: CNN (Lean Left) showed video of the gesture while anchors called it “an odd salute” and “evocative of things that we have seen throughout history.” National Review called the comments “a return to form for the CNN hosts as media commentators repeatedly likened Trump to a fascist dictator [in the past].”  Jerusalem Post (Center) said the gesture “appeared” to be a Nazi salute, while Reuters (Center) simply said it was “scrutinized online” and noted the Anti-Defamation League saw it as an “awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm.”