ADL Says Elon Musk’s ‘Awkward Hand Gesture’ Was ‘Not a Nazi Salute,’ Just ‘A Moment of Enthusiasm’

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said on Monday that Elon Musk’s “awkward hand gesture” at President Donald Trump’s inauguration was “not a Nazi salute.”

Musk received backlash on Monday evening after he made a curious hand movement during his speech at Trump’s inauguration, which many critics likened to the Nazi salute.

The ADL, however, shot down those suggestions and urged his critics to “take a breath.”

“This is a delicate moment. It’s a new day and yet so many are on edge. Our politics are inflamed, and social media only adds to the anxiety,” wrote the ADL in a statement. “It seems that @elonmusk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute, but again, we appreciate that people are on edge.”

The organization continued, “In this moment, all sides should give one another a bit of grace, perhaps even the benefit of the doubt, and take a breath. This is a new beginning. Let’s hope for healing and work toward unity in the months and years ahead.”

In 2023, Musk accused the ADL of attempting to kill his social media platform X with accusations of anti-Semitism.

“Since the acquisition, The @ADL has been trying to kill this platform by accusing it & me of being anti-Semitic,” he claimed. “To be super clear, I’m pro free speech, but against anti-Semitism of any kind.”

Musk went on to threaten to sue the ADL for “destroying half the value” of his social network. However, a few months later, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt embraced Musk, sparking controversy.