Overview

• Musk reignited the debate on social media by sharing video of Booker’s gesture and branding it a ‘Nazi salute,’ criticizing the media’s silence.
• A spokesperson for Booker called the accusation bad-faith and clarified that he was merely waving after placing his hand over his heart.
• The Anti-Defamation League had earlier defended Musk’s similar January gesture as an awkward display of enthusiasm rather than a hate symbol.
• Conservative influencers highlighted a perceived double standard, noting that Musk’s salute prompted extensive coverage while Booker’s received scant mainstream attention.
• The clash has underscored growing political polarization over how public figures’ gestures are interpreted and reported.