Frank Iero, guitarist of My Chemical Romance and LS Dunes, strongly criticized Elon Musk after a controversial gesture made during the celebrations of the inauguration of American President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025. This gesture, perceived as a Nazi salute by some , caused national controversy.
Elon Musk’s controversial gesture: a misunderstanding?
At a rally at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC, Elon Musk, now a director of the new Department of Government Efficiency in the Trump administration, gave a speech where he placed his right hand over his heart before extending his right arm in front of him. The action immediately sparked comparisons to the Nazi salute, provoking a storm of reactions on social media and in the media.
Some voices defended Musk, saying his gesture was misinterpreted, recalling his visit to Auschwitz in early 2024, in response to anti-Semitic accusations. Musk, for his part, downplayed the incident on X, the social network he owns, saying: “Frankly, they need better attacks. The accusation ‘everyone is Hitler’ is so worn out.”
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Frank Iero: “Your true colors are showing”
Frank Iero, known for his uncompromising positions, reacted on Instagram the day after the event. In a scathing post, he shared a screenshot of the incident, along with the following comment: “Fuck this guy and all the people who support this shit or waste their energy trying to defend it. Your true colors are showing. #SmashHate.”
-This isn’t the first time Iero has spoken out against controversial figures, but this public criticism quickly captured the attention of fans and observers.
Divergent answers and a continuing controversy
Musk’s gesture continues to divide public opinion. If some consider the accusations exaggerated, others, like Iero, believe that this gesture, voluntary or not, reflects problematic values. Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia, also reacted after Musk criticized the platform’s presentation of facts: “I think Elon is upset that Wikipedia isn’t for sale.”
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