Elon Musk is once again making waves, this time over a hand gesture he made at Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration. The Tesla CEO’s motion—placing his hand on his chest and extending his arm outward—has been interpreted in wildly different ways. While some see it as a harmless expression of enthusiasm, others, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, believe it was a Nazi salute.
Walz didn’t hold back during an MSNBC interview, stating, “We spent three days debating whether Musk gave a Nazi salute. Of course, he did.” Musk, never one to shy away from a fight, responded on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “I think I will. Tim Walz is creepy,” hinting at a potential lawsuit.
The controversy has sparked a heated debate among experts and the public. Historian Claire Aubin believes Musk’s gesture was deliberate, while the Anti-Defamation League argues it was simply an awkward movement. Regardless of the interpretation, the incident underscores the deep divisions in today’s society.
If Musk moves forward with the lawsuit, it could become a landmark case. Defamation lawsuits involving public figures are notoriously complex, and Musk would need to prove that Walz acted with malicious intent. Meanwhile, Walz’s team will likely argue that his comments were protected under free speech.
As the story continues to unfold, one thing is certain: this controversy has captured the world’s attention. Whether Musk’s gesture was innocent or intentional, the fallout is far from over. Buckle up—this is one drama you won’t want to miss.
