Elon Musk and Senator Cory Booker recently found themselves at the center of a media storm over similar hand gestures made during public events. The controversy began when Musk, while celebrating Donald Trump’s inauguration in January, made a gesture that some critics labeled a Nazi salute. This gesture involved him placing his hand over his heart before extending it outward, which drew significant backlash from liberal commentators.
Fast forward to a recent event at the California Democratic Party’s convention, where Senator Booker used a nearly identical gesture after delivering a speech. He placed his right hand on his chest and then raised it to the crowd, prompting some to draw comparisons to Musk’s earlier action. While Musk’s gesture sparked outrage and accusations of promoting a Nazi salute, Booker’s similar move has largely gone unnoticed by major media outlets.
In January, Musk addressed the crowd, expressing gratitude to Trump supporters, saying, "from my heart to yours." However, many quickly interpreted his gesture as a reference to Nazi-era symbolism. CNN’s Kasie Hunt remarked that Musk’s salute was reminiscent of historical images associated with fascism, while other commentators suggested he was making two "Sieg Heil" salutes.
In contrast, as of now, major networks like CNN and MSNBC have not reported on Booker’s gesture, despite its similarity to Musk’s. This discrepancy has led to accusations of media bias, with critics pointing out that the same standard was not applied to both figures. The New York Times even published a piece analyzing Musk’s gesture, suggesting that its interpretation was straightforward given the historical context, yet it has not covered Booker’s action.
The Associated Press and other outlets also focused on Musk’s gesture, describing it as embraced by right-wing extremists, while Booker’s similar action received little attention. This lack of coverage has raised questions about the media’s handling of political gestures and the potential biases that may influence their reporting.
Musk has taken notice of the difference in media treatment, stating that legacy media operates as a "psy op." He expressed frustration over the ongoing narrative that equates his actions with Nazi symbolism, calling it a tired tactic. Meanwhile, Booker’s team has dismissed the comparisons, arguing that his gesture was simply a wave to the crowd.
The Anti-Defamation League defended Musk at the time, suggesting that his gesture was awkward but not intended to evoke any Nazi imagery. As the debate continues, it highlights the complexities of political gestures in today’s media landscape and the varying reactions they can provoke based on the individuals involved.