AOC slams ADL for justifying Elon Musk’s ‘awkward gesture’: ‘You’re defending the Heil Hitler salute’
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., attacked the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for defending what she claimed was “Heil Hitler greeting” by X CEO Elon Musk on Monday.
Musk was speaking at the inauguration event for President Trump at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, where he excitedly addressed the crowd.
“This is what victory feels like! And this was no ordinary victory, this was a fork in the road for human civilization… I just want to say thank you for doing this, thank you. From my heart to yours,” Musk told the roaring MAGA crowd faithful. The CEO of SpaceX put his hand over his heart and then extended his hand to the crowd.
Tesla, SpaceX and X CEO Elon Musk gestures as he speaks during the inaugural event at Capital One Arena on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Critics claimed it was a Nazi salute. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Several news outlets and commentators were quick to accuse Musk of giving a Nazi salute. However, the ADL later wrote to X that it believed it was just a gesture of enthusiasm.
“This is a delicate moment. It’s a new day, yet many are on edge. Our politics are in turmoil and social media is only adding to the anxiety. @elonmusk seems to have made a clumsy gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute, but then again, we appreciate that people are on edge. At this point, all sides should give each other a little grace, maybe even benefit. This is a new beginning and we work for unity in the coming months and years.” wrote the ADL.
The ADL’s mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to ensure justice and fair treatment for all.”
Ocasio-Cortez did not believe the statement and accused the organization of defending the Nazi salute.
“Just to be clear, you are defending the Heil Hitler salute which was performed and repeated for emphasis and clarity. People can now officially stop listening to you as any reputable source of information. You work for them. Thank you for making that crystal clear to everyone.” , Ocasio-Cortez wrote.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the ADL for comment.
Formerly ADL Executive Director Jonathan Greenblatt criticized Ocasio-Cortez and other “Squad” House members of 2023 because of their extreme views on the Israel-Gaza war.
“I think Rashida Tlaib is so marginalized in her own district. And like, AOC, I don’t even see her in the media anymore. I think these individuals with their radical ideas have marginalized themselves,” Greenblatt told Fox News Digital at the time.
AOC IS SAFE AFTER RESPONDING TO ELON MUSK SAYING SHE’S ‘JUST NOT THAT SMART’
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez accused Musk of giving a Nazi salute at Monday’s rally. ((left: REUTERS/Sarah Silbiger, right: REUTERS/Julia Nikhinson))
“So I just think the AOC doesn’t matter that much. She’s one of 430 or so people, or Tlaib or Ilhan Omar, and we don’t need to give them more influence because you’re already seeing their influence waning and waning over the last few years because their positions became more radical, and they reduced their ability, I think, to reach a wider audience,” Greenblatt continued. “There are extreme voices everywhere. Let’s leave them on the edge where they belong.”
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David Spector of Fox News contributed to this report.
