Tesla Leader Praises Trump and Mars Ambitions, Irked by Puzzling Action
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, found himself at the centre of controversy during Donald Trump's inauguration. The tech billionaire's gesture, which some interpreted as a "Roman, or Nazi, salute", has sparked debates and discussions about its intent.
Musk stood on stage alongside other technology leaders during Trump's inauguration. His presence was significant, given his support for Trump's campaign, which included a three-digit million dollar donation and multiple appearances.
However, the gesture itself remains ambiguous. While some sources claim Musk made a salute resembling a Nazi or Roman salute after Trump's inauguration, the gesture's intent remains unclear. Discussions around the gesture often note it as misunderstood or controversial rather than explicitly confirmed as a Nazi salute.
The Anti-Defamation League, who had previously criticized Musk for an antisemitic tweet, defended him, stating that he performed a "strange gesture" rather than a Nazi salute. This fits into a larger pattern of Musk being involved in contentious political and social actions but without a straightforward explanation or admission regarding this specific gesture.
Musk has Jewish roots, as acknowledged by a fan who defended him against Nazi accusations. The tech entrepreneur has also expressed concerns about climate change, stating that the world has little to fear from climate change for the next five to ten years.
The controversy surrounding Musk's gesture did not seem to affect Tesla's stock, which significantly benefited from Trump's election as the new US President. The potential for autonomous cars to be approved more easily under Trump's presidency could also be a factor in Tesla's success.
Trump's inaugural address mentioned plans to bring the American flag to Mars, a goal that resonated with Musk. He responded with a thumbs up during the event.
Musk's involvement in politics and social issues continues to be a topic of discussion. He has commented that the "Everyone is Hitler" attack was old and that better dirty tricks were needed. He has also shared controversial posts, such as a collage of US politicians with outstretched arms, stating that the old media was pure propaganda.
Despite the controversies, Musk remains a prominent figure in the tech industry and continues to work towards his goals, as he stated during Trump's inauguration: "I'm going to work my ass off for a better future."
[1] New Republic: https://newrepublic.com/article/153226/elon-musk-grok-ai-chatbot-promotes-antisemitic-rhetoric [5] Wired: https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musk-nazi-salute-controversy-trump-inauguration/
- Celebrities and politics intertwined when Elon Musk, a tech billionaire known for his roles in entertainment and policy-and-legislation discussions, found himself at the heart of controversy during Donald Trump's inauguration, with his gesture being perceived as a "Roman, or Nazi, salute" by some.
- Entwining his industry with politics, Musk made a significant appearance at Trump's inauguration, his donation to the campaign and support lending credence to his political standings, yet the intent of his gesture remains undefined.
- The discussion around Musk's controversial gesture has influenced pop-culture and general-news narratives, with his continued involvement in political and social actions garnering scrutiny and debate despite a lack of straightforward explanation or admission from the tech entrepreneur.
