The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a non-profit focused on combating antisemitism, defended tech billionaire Elon Musk’s “awkward” gesture during a Monday celebratory event which some critics panned as a fascist salute.
“This is a delicate moment. It’s a new day and yet so many are on edge. Our politics are inflamed, and social media only adds to the anxiety,” the ADL wrote in a Monday post on X. “It seems that @elonmusk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute, but again, we appreciate that people are on edge.”
Musk ignited speculation online during his Monday speech at President Trump’s celebratory event. While addressing the large crowd he placed his right arm on the left side of his chest and extended the arm straight across from left to the right side. The Tesla CEO then turned around and made the gesture again.
“My heart goes out to you,” Musk told the crowd after making the gesture. “And it’s thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured.”
Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) was one of many critics who slammed the SpaceX executive and Trump’s ally, writing Monday on X that “I never imagined we would see the day when what appears to be a Heil Hitler salute would be made behind the Presidential seal.”
Others have backed Musk, saying that the tech mogul made the cross-body salute right before telling the crowd in Washington that his heart goes out to them and the gesture was intended to emphasize it.
“In this moment, all sides should give one another a bit of grace, perhaps even the benefit of the doubt, and take a breath,” the ADL said. “This is a new beginning. Let’s hope for healing and work toward unity in the months and years ahead.”
Progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) hammered the ADL over their defense of Musk, arguing the organization’s credibility has vanished.
“Just to be clear, you are defending a Heil Hitler salute that was performed and repeated for emphasis and clarity,” Ocasio-Cortez said Monday on X. “People can officially stop listening to you as any sort of reputable source of information now. You work for them. Thank you for making that crystal clear to all.”
The ADL has at times over the last year clashed with progressives over their criticisms of Israel’s handling of the war in Gaza.
