On the Monday of Donald Trump’s inauguration, during the inaugural rally, millions watched as the world’s richest person, and key Trump ally, Elon Musk gave not one but two fascist-style salutes.
Musk and his followers of course denied the affair posing it as a “Roman salute,” but Amy Spitalnick, head of a prominent US Jewish civil rights body confirmed that it was indeed a fascist salute and should be met with condemnation. Spitalnick also added that because of this America should be concerned about the many other extremists who would take this action as a means to justify their own. It is clear that Musk’s behavior was outrageous as not only did he express his support for far right Nazi-esque views, but also decided to do it on the day of an administration with the goal of throwing out executive orders of equality, immigration and more.
This is not the first time Musk has openly shared his own embraces of antisemitism, and extremism. Like when he posted on X back in Nov of 2023, that Jewish people “promote hatred against whites.” Though, after condemnation from advertisers and the Biden administration he not only apologized, but even visited a Nazi a death camp in Poland in a show of contrition. This time however, he has not apologized or stopped saying that his salute was roman, and not fascist. In fact he is even threatening to sue the Anti-Defamation League, which fights semitism for also calling him out on it.
It does not help matters that Musk is now working for a president who has not only repeatedly praised but also admired Hitler. And let us not forget the dozens of executive orders Trump has already signed since being in office which move towards fascist idealism. So far the president has signed an order ending DEI governmental programs and preferencing, which terminates diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the federal government and the U.S Armed Forces. An order that denies birthright citizenship to US born children from illegal immigrants, and has suspended refugee admissions and applications. He has put a pause on all foreign aid or assistance to US allies, and has even tried to freeze federal aid throughout the US, however the administration has rescinded that memo after facing mass confusion and legal challenges.
Hopefully those promises of lower gas prices, and cost of living were worth it as the country sits on the edge of their seats waiting to see what this administration does next.
