Statement from Congressman Dan Goldman, Co-Chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, on Elon Musk's Sieg Hail Salute at Donald Trump's Inauguration Rally

“Elon Musk has repeatedly pushed for the racist and antisemitic ‘Great Replacement’ conspiracy theory, endorsed the Nazi-sympathizing German Political Party AfD, and allowed anti-Jewish hate to proliferate unabated on his website, X.

 

“Viewed in that context, and regardless of any justification, his salute last night at Donald Trump’s inauguration rally can only be interpreted as a Seig Heil salute that is synonymous with Nazi support for Hitler.

 

“Just as the Proud Boys understood Donald Trump’s urging to “stand back and stand by” as a direction to mastermind the January 6 riot, neo-Nazi and far-right extremists have interpreted Musk’s salute to refer to the Seig Heil salute to Hitler. 

 

“It is no coincidence that Musk’s fascistic salute occurred just hours before President Trump pardoned far-right, violent domestic extremists who assaulted law enforcement officers at President Trump’s direction in an effort to overturn the 2020 election. 

 

“Jews around the world are scared because of the contemptible rise in antisemitism, and Musk’s conduct only increases the problem. Musk must issue an immediate apology, and President Trump must disavow and denounce his actions.

 

“If not, Donald Trump cannot credibly claim to be a friend of the Jewish people with Elon Musk by his side.”