Overview
- Right-wing accounts and commentators on X alleged the inauguration gesture resembled a Nazi salute and likened it to Elon Musk’s 2025 arm motion.
- Conservative outlets accused legacy media and prominent liberals of a double standard, saying Musk’s gesture drew heavy coverage while Mamdani’s has not.
- Footage shows Mamdani briefly extending his right arm after a hand-over-heart motion during his City Hall ceremony early Thursday.
- Supporters, independent observers and X’s Grok characterized the movement as a common wave or emphasis, and reports offered no indication of extremist intent.
- Mamdani, 34, was sworn in as New York City’s 112th mayor, and he has not publicly responded to the accusations.