On Monday, January 20, 2025, thousands descended upon the nation’s capital to protest or celebrate the inauguration of President Donald Trump at the Capitol Rotunda. Shortly after being sworn-in to office, Trump and many of his closest political allies, including X Owner Elon Musk, traveled to Capital One Arena for a celebration of the New York native’s second term in office. While speaking to many of Trump’s supporters at the event about the incoming administration, Musk made what many observers described as a “fascist salute” or a “Heil Hitler salute.”
“I never imagined we would see the day when what appears to be a Heil Hitler salute would be made behind the Presidential seal. This abhorrent gesture has no place in our society and belongs in the darkest chapters of human history. I urge all of my colleagues to unite in condemning this hateful gesture for what it is: antisemitism,” Nadler stated.
“In this moment when antisemitism has reached a new high, this is outrageous behavior. At a Presidential rally no less. Donald Trump should condemn it. And Elon Musk owes our country an apology,” Governor JB Pritzker added.
Despite Musk’s actions at the rally, Trump moved forward with launching his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with Musk at the helm. According to a statement from the White House, the department is takes with “modernizing Federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity.”
