Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, found himself at the center of controversy following a gesture he made during a pre-inauguration rally in Washington, D.C. CNN alleged that Musk’s action—a brief hand movement where he placed his hand over his chest and extended it outward—bore resemblance to a Nazi salute. The claims were raised during a CNN segment, where anchors replayed the clip, prompting speculation and criticism.

“It was quick,” noted anchor Erin Burnett, before turning to her colleague, who suggested viewers could draw their own conclusions. Critics of Musk seized on the moment, while his supporters dismissed it as an innocent expression of gratitude to the crowd. Musk, addressing the crowd, thanked attendees for their contributions to Trump’s victory, describing their efforts as vital to preserving civilization. “My heart goes out to you,” Musk said.

Musk quickly responded to CNN’s accusations on social media, amplifying criticism of the network’s coverage. Supporters labeled the claims as an overreach and part of a broader campaign to discredit Trump allies. Meanwhile, critics argued that Musk’s gesture carried troubling symbolism, reigniting debates over media bias and the polarized political landscape.