First day back and first controversy for Donald Trump at the White House. It is provoked by his advisor Elon Musk, who also made his grand arrival to power on Monday, the new strongman of the Trump administration. And he stood out in the evening in front of Trump's supporters with a gesture that resembled a Nazi salute.
Barely arriving at the White House, Donald Trump is already facing a first controversy. And, for once, it was not him who provoked it. It was his loyal support, billionaire Elon Musk, who angered some. On two occasions, the boss of X and Tesla performed salutes while he was on stage. A salute that some have described as “fascist” or even “Nazi”.
Enthusiastic, galvanized by the event, the billionaire arrived on the stage of the Capital One Arena, where supporters of Donald Trump had gathered. He sits at the desk and thanks the crowd. Before hitting your left chest, heart side, with your right hand, and extending your arm with your palm open. A gesture that he repeats a second time, turning to the audience behind him, then declares: “My heart goes out to you”.
The gesture sows confusion, questions. Several historians and specialists in fascism call it a Nazi salute. And very quickly, the controversy grew on social networks, including that of Elon Musk, X (formerly Twitter). The businessman denounces a dirty trick. “The attack that everyone is Hitler is so outdated,” he adds on his platform.
-Support from the far right
In recent weeks, he has increased his support for far-right parties on the European continent, from the AFD in Germany to the anti-immigration Reform UK party in Great Britain, including Giorgia Meloni, Italian Prime Minister, who is also present Monday during the ceremony.
On the side of the democratic opposition, criticism was quick to arise. “It seems like he had it inside him for a while and he was finally able to let it go,” said former Democratic congresswoman Cori Bush on the mirror to find the exact angle,” she quipped.
Romain Houg with Guillaume Descours
