Senator Cory Booker is facing criticism after a gesture he made during a speech at the California Democratic Party convention in Los Angeles. Some conservatives are calling it a "Nazi salute," drawing comparisons to Elon Musk’s similar gesture earlier this year, which received widespread media attention.
Booker spoke to a crowd of Democrats on Saturday, urging them to unite against former President Donald Trump. His speech echoed themes from his recent marathon speech in the Senate, where he criticized Trump and Musk for their actions and policies. During his address, Booker raised his right hand, placing it on his chest before lifting it toward the audience, which some observers interpreted as a salute.
The backlash came swiftly. Collin Rugg, co-owner of Trending Politics, shared a video of Booker’s gesture on social media, questioning whether the media would treat the situation with the same scrutiny as Musk’s earlier incident. Rugg’s post suggested that if Musk was labeled as a Nazi for his gesture, then Booker should be held to the same standard.
Many online commentators echoed this sentiment. One user pointed out the inconsistency in media coverage, asking if Booker would face the same accusations that Musk did. Another user declared, "Cory Booker is a straight up NAZI! WOW," highlighting the heated reactions from conservative circles.
Booker, who has been a vocal critic of Trump, emphasized the importance of grassroots movements in his speech, stating that real change comes from the people, not Washington. He concluded his address with the raised hand gesture, which has now sparked controversy.
Musk’s gesture during Trump’s inauguration in January had previously drawn criticism and led to numerous headlines labeling it a "Nazi-style salute." This incident has added fuel to ongoing debates about political gestures and their interpretations.
As the discourse continues, it remains to be seen how the media will respond to Booker’s gesture compared to Musk’s. Fox News has reached out to Booker’s office for comments but has yet to receive a response. The situation highlights the polarized nature of American politics, where gestures can quickly become symbols in larger cultural battles.