Tech billionaire Elon Musk caused controversy at the inauguration of US President Donald Trump on Monday with a gesture that appeared similar to a Nazi salute.
Mr Musk, one of Mr Trump’s closest advisers, was among the speakers on stage before Mr Trump’s arrival at the Capital One Arena in Washington.
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Mr Musk thanked supporters, then placed his right hand on his heart and quickly extended it upwards.
“My heart goes out to you,” Mr Musk said, before repeating the gesture.
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Users on Mr Musk’s online platform X noted that the gesture resembled a Nazi salute.
US broadcaster CNN replayed the footage multiple times during its programme, with a presenter stating viewers were smart enough to form their own opinions on the matter.
Initially, Mr Musk did not provide an explanation for the action.
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However, he shared footage of his remarks and the gesture, via X.
Ahead of Mr Trump’s swearing-in, Mr Musk enthused about the “Return of the King,” sharing a screenshot of Mr Trump’s once-banned Twitter account alongside the official presidential profile.
Twitter banned Mr Trump in the wake of the 6 January 2021 riots, before Mr Musk reinstated the account when he purchased the social media platform in 2022.
(dpa/NAN)
