Tue Jan 21 15:14:13 UTC 2025: ## Elon Musk’s Salute Sparks International Outrage

**Brussels/Berlin/Rome/Madrid** – Elon Musk’s stiff-armed salute at a Donald Trump celebration event has ignited a firestorm of international condemnation. The gesture, reminiscent of the Nazi salute, drew sharp criticism from European lawmakers and media figures, prompting accusations of fascism and calls for accountability.

French MEP Manon Aubry called Musk’s actions a “Nazi salute,” while German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach expressed concern over Musk’s perceived proximity to right-wing populists. Italian journalist Roberto Saviano issued a scathing condemnation, predicting a violent downfall for Musk. Spanish Labor Minister Yolanda Díaz, citing the salute as a final straw, deleted her X account, accusing the platform of becoming a propaganda tool.

Musk defended himself online, dismissing the criticism as a tired “everyone is Hitler” attack. A supporter attempted to justify the gesture by claiming Musk’s autism influenced his actions, a claim later retracted. The incident follows existing concerns about Musk’s support for right-wing political figures. The controversy adds to the ongoing debate surrounding Musk’s influence and his social media platform’s role in shaping public discourse.

Read More