Elon Musk’s father has weighed in on the controversy surrounding claims that his son performed a Nazi salute during Donald Trump’s 2025 presidential inauguration.
As a key ally of President Trump and an executive in the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has cemented his influence in both politics and business. However, a gesture he made during the inauguration has sparked global debate.
During the event, Musk placed his right hand over his heart before thrusting it into the air, extending his arm at an upward angle. Critics accused him of making a Nazi salute, but Musk dismissed the claims as political attacks, posting on X (formerly Twitter):
“The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired.”
His father, a South African politician and businessman, addressed the controversy during an interview with Al Arabiya, offering an unusual explanation for the gesture.
Musk’s Father Defends His Son
When asked about the backlash, Musk Sr. dismissed the accusations as “nonsense”, attributing his son’s gesture to nervousness and inexperience in public speaking.
“Elon is a terrible public speaker. He struggles with it. I had the same issue when I first entered politics,” he explained.
He suggested that Musk was simply trying to “get through his speech as fast as possible” while attempting to appear confident.
As for the salute, Musk Sr. insisted that it was a universal gesture used for thousands of years, originating from ancient civilizations like the Persians and Sumerians.
“It simply meant my right hand is empty. I do not carry a weapon.”
Musk’s Political Alignment Sparks Further Debate
Beyond the controversy, Musk has recently voiced support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which placed second in Germany’s February elections. According to AfD co-leader Alice Weidel, Musk personally called her after the results to offer his congratulations.
As Musk continues to grow his political influence, his gestures, alliances, and statements are likely to remain under intense scrutiny.
