Donald Trump has been inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States, promising a ‘return to America’s golden age’ during his address at the Capitol. He outlined his agenda, emphasizing peace, immigration control, and national pride. Elon Musk celebrated the inauguration at a rally, delivering a speech that resonated with Trump’s message, though his gestures sparked controversy. Critics, including a Canadian politician and a historian, interpreted Musk’s actions as reminiscent of a Nazi salute, igniting significant debate.
It’s official! Just over two months after his presidential election triumph against Democratic contender Kamala Harris, Donald Trump has been inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States. The real estate tycoon, marking his return since first assuming office in 2017, took the oath on a Bible, pledging to usher in a ‘return to America’s golden age’ during a thirty-minute address at the Capitol rotunda, the heart of Congress. This very location was previously stormed by some of his supporters on January 6, 2021, in an attempt to block Joe Biden from taking office.
In front of an enthusiastic crowd, including his wife Melania Trump, the new president declared that ‘America’s golden age begins today’ and promised to ‘put America first’ in every aspect. ‘From now on, our nation will thrive and regain its respect on the global stage’, he proclaimed, underlining that his ‘top priority will be to forge a proud, prosperous, and free nation’. He assured that ‘the decline of America is over’, a statement reflecting on the four years of Joe Biden’s presidency, during which Biden opted not to seek re-election last summer against all odds.
Elon Musk Celebrates Trump’s Inauguration
As the ceremony unfolded, Donald Trump laid out his agenda for the upcoming four years, highlighting key issues such as the need for peace amidst ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. He also expressed interest in Greenland, aiming to gain control from Denmark, while addressing the pressing matter of illegal immigration. ‘I will declare a state of emergency at our southern border’ with Mexico, he asserted. ‘All unauthorized entries will be promptly halted, and we will initiate the deportation of millions of foreign criminals’, he confidently stated. Following the address, he joined his supporters at the Capital One Arena for a rally dedicated to one of his staunchest allies, Elon Musk, who was seen at the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris in early December.
The renowned entrepreneur, known as the head of X, Tesla, and SpaceX, took the stage to deliver a concise yet impactful speech that resonated with Trump’s message. He animatedly raised his arms to energize the crowd, rallying support for what he deemed a monumental victory. ‘Some elections hold significance, while others do not. But this one truly mattered, and I appreciate your role in making it happen’, he expressed, placing his hand on his chest and raising it in a gesture reminiscent of historical salutes. ‘I am fully with you. Your contribution is what secures the future of our civilization’, he declared, repeating the gesture for emphasis.
Historical Perspectives on Musk’s Gesture
Elon Musk’s actions did not escape scrutiny. According to our colleagues from La Presse in Canada, an influential opposition party member, Sawyer Hackett, took to X to comment: ‘Our new co-president Elon Musk makes a Nazi salute on the first day of the Trump presidency’. This sparked numerous reactions, with images and videos circulating that fueled a significant controversy. Historian Claire Aubin, an expert on Nazism in the United States, weighed in, confirming the nature of the gesture and suggesting it was deliberate. ‘In my professional opinion, you are all correct’, she stated on X, addressing the criticisms aimed at Musk.
The billionaire had previously drawn attention for his support of the German far-right party multiple times last year, and some of his social media statements raised eyebrows as he faced accusations of meddling in European political affairs during various elections. In response to Thierry Breton, the former European Commissioner questioning his influence, Musk remarked, ‘Dude, American ‘foreign interference’ is the only reason you don’t speak German or Russian today’.