Elon Musk is embroiled in a new controversy, targeting Wikipedia after the platform documented a gesture he made during Trump’s second inauguration that some critics have compared to a Nazi salute. Musk’s reaction has escalated into a public spat with Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, with the billionaire even calling for the platform to be “defunded.”
The controversy began when Musk, during Trump’s inauguration, tapped his chest with his right hand and extended his arm outward, repeating the motion to the crowd behind him. The gesture was criticized online, with some drawing comparisons to a Nazi salute. Wikipedia editors noted the incident in Musk’s biographical page and on the “Nazi salute” page, sparking backlash from Musk.
The billionaire responded by sharing part of the Wikipedia entry on X, accusing the platform of serving as an extension of “legacy media propaganda.” Musk’s post called on his followers to “defund Wikipedia.” Wales responded by trolling Musk, saying, “I think Elon is unhappy that Wikipedia is not for sale.” He defended Wikipedia’s description of the gesture, calling it factual and neutral.
