Fact check: Elon musk just performed back to back Nazi salutes during Trump’s inauguration

1. Summary of the results

The incident in question involves Elon Musk making specific gestures during Trump's inauguration that have been subject to various interpretations. Multiple sources confirm that Musk did extend his right arm in an angular motion and repeated the gesture ^[1], with his palm facing down ^[2]. However, the intention behind these gestures remains disputed:

• Some observers and social media users interpreted it as a Nazi salute ^{[1] [3]}
• The Anti-Defamation League suggested it was an "awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm" rather than intentional ^[4]
• Some sources indicate it may have been a "thank you" gesture to the crowd ^[5]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements are missing from the original statement:

• Musk's Asperger's diagnosis may influence his physical gestures and social interactions, as noted by commentator Batya Ungar-Sargon ^[6]
• The gesture included additional components not mentioned in the original statement, such as chest-pounding ^[1]
• Mainstream media outlets showed hesitation in directly labeling the gesture as a Nazi salute ^[7]
• The incident was captured from multiple camera angles, allowing for various interpretations ^[7]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement presents several problematic elements:

• It definitively labels the gesture as a "Nazi salute" without acknowledging the ongoing debate about its interpretation
• Different groups have varying interests in how this incident is portrayed:
• Organizations like the Blue Card foundation, represented by Masha Pearl, view it as a "symbol of hate" ^[2]
• The Anti-Defamation League takes a more measured stance, suggesting non-intentional interpretation ^[4]
• Social media users and political commentators have leveraged the incident to support various narratives ^[6]

The statement's categorical nature fails to acknowledge the complexity of the situation and the various expert interpretations available, potentially contributing to polarization around the incident.