During her Senate confirmation hearing for the role of U.N. ambassador, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) firmly refuted allegations that Elon Musk performed a Nazi salute at President Trump's inauguration parade. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) questioned Stefanik about the incident, citing claims circulating online. Stefanik denied the allegations, stating she'd attended numerous rallies with Musk and characterizing him as a "visionary" excited about space exploration and his work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Musk, who was present at the parade, has also dismissed the accusations, attributing them to political opponents. Stefanik emphasized public support for Musk and praised American entrepreneurship. She also highlighted her own and Trump's commitment to fighting antisemitism.
Rep. Elise Stefanik, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, testifies before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill, Jan. 21, 2025. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters )
Elon Musk, left, gestures as he speaks during the inaugural parade inside Capital One Arena, in Washington, on Jan. 20, 2025. Rep. Elise Stefanik, right, said she does not believe they were Nazi salutes. (Getty Images )
Murphy pressed further, citing online comments from right-wing figures and groups who interpreted Musk's gesture as a Nazi salute. He questioned Stefanik about the implications of such interpretations, particularly concerning white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups. Stefanik reiterated her commitment to combating antisemitism, emphasizing Trump's record and her intention to address the issue at the United Nations.
Elon Musk gestures as he speaks during the inaugural parade inside Capital One Arena on Jan. 20, 2025. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images )
Rep. Elise Stefanik said on Jan. 21, 2025, that she and President Donald Trump both have a long record combating antisemitism. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Murphy argued that addressing antisemitism effectively requires holding both sides of the political spectrum accountable. He expressed doubt that a similar gesture from a left-leaning politician would be met with the same response.
