What is the meaning of Roman salute? Elon Musk hand gesture at Trump inauguration triggers speculation

Elon Musk has been a topic of interest following his controversial display of the allegedly fascist salute at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration on Monday. Moments after thanking the audience for "making it happen," he slapped his right hand on his chest, fingers spread apart, before shooting it outward with his palm facing down.

Regarding its meaning, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) says that the Roman salute, also known as the Nazi military salute, is "raising an outstretched right arm with the palm down." However, the agency weighed in on X, noting that Musk's move may have been nothing but an awkward moment.

---

Elon Musk draws the ire of the internet for his actions, though others brush it off as nothing but an "awkward" moment

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), renowned for their war on anti-Semitism, issued the following statement on X:

“It seems that [Elon Musk] made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute, but again, we appreciate that people are on edge. 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.”

Elon Musk's actions have drawn a slew of criticism from Democrats, such as when U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez took to X to scrutinize the ADL. She tweeted to her 12.8 million followers:

“Just to be clear, you are defending a Heil Hitler salute that was performed and repeated for emphasis and clarity,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote. “People can officially stop listening to you as any sort of reputable source of information now. You work for them. Thank you for making that crystal clear to all.”

Collin Rugg, a MAGA-supporting journalist, took to X to his 1.7 million followers to call out CNN for calling Musk's gesture an "odd-looking salute.” He concurred with a comment on his post that noted that Musk was “excited, awkward, not thinking about how he looks, and trying to show his heart going out to the crowd.”

During the inauguration, here's what Elon Musk said to the audience:

“My heart goes out to you. It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured. Thanks to you. We’re gonna have safe cities, finally safe cities. Secure borders, sensible spending. Basic stuff. And we’re gonna take ‘Doge’ to Mars.”

---

By DOGE, Elon Musk meant the "Department of Government Efficiency," which he is spearheading at the behest of Trump. He was also referencing Trump's earlier comments, as reported by The Guardian, where Trump declared he would be sending astronauts to Mars.