By Charles Switzer
9:17am PST, Jan 30, 2025
Elon Musk Threatens Legal Action Over Nazi Salute Accusations
Elon Musk fired back at Minnesota Governor
Tim Walz after the latter claimed on MSNBC that Musk "of course" performed a Nazi salute at President
Donald Trump's inauguration rally.
Elon, outraged by the accusation, took to X and declared, "I think I will. Tim Walz is a creepy [clown emoji]."
The controversy erupted after a video surfaced of the world's richest person patting his chest and extending his arm toward the crowd — a gesture critics compared to a "Sieg Heil."
Elon, however, called the media's portrayal of the incident a deliberate attack on his reputation.
Here's what's happening.
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Maye Musk Pushes Her Son to Sue 'Legacy Media'
Elon's mother,
Maye Musk, came to his defense, urging him to sue media outlets that accused him of making a Nazi gesture.
He named CNN, PBS, and
The Guardian as prime targets for legal action, saying, "Otherwise, they won't stop."
The backlash against the Tesla CEO reached new heights after CNN's
Catherine Rampell suggested that by the "second Sieg Heil, I think he kind of loses the benefit of not to be accused of playing footsie with the Nazis."
In response, former GOP strategist
Scott Jennings called the entire situation "salute trutherism" and an "outrageous" media
smear campaign.
PBS and 'The Guardian' Double Down on Controversy
PBS News and The Guardian were among the first outlets to accuse Elon of a fascist salute.
PBS posted on X, stating, "Billionaire Elon Musk gave what appeared to be a fascist salute Monday while making a speech at the post-inauguration celebration for President Donald Trump."
The Guardian followed with a report that he made "back-to-back fascist-style salutes" at the event. The accusations have fueled calls from the SpaceX CEO's supporters to hold the media accountable for what they call blatant defamation.
Netanyahu and the ADL Defend Musk Against Nazi Comparisons
Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu publicly defended Elon, calling him "a great friend of Israel."
Netanyahu emphasized that the tech tycoon had visited Israel after the October 7 Hamas attacks and has consistently supported the country's right to defend itself.
The Anti-Defamation League also stepped in, stating, "It seems that Elon Musk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute."
The ADL called for calm and suggested people give Elon "the benefit of the doubt" instead of jumping to conclusions.
Media War Over Musk's Gesture Continues to Escalate
As accusations and defenses continue to circulate, Elon's potential lawsuit looms over the debate. With high-profile figures weighing in on both sides, the controversy has turned into a full-blown media firestorm.
The billionaire has remained defiant, claiming the media is engaged in an organized effort to "cancel" him. Whether he follows through with legal action remains to be seen, but one thing is clear — the battle over this so-called "salute trutherism" is far from over.
