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Controversy Surrounds Elon Musk's Gesture

Elon Musk, the renowned tech entrepreneur, has recently stirred controversy across Europe with a gesture resembling a Nazi salute. This act has sparked outrage, particularly in Germany, where Die Linkspartei has called for a travel ban on Musk. They argue that his actions signal support for far-right ideologies, which should not be tolerated in Germany. The incident occurred alongside Musk's backing of extreme right parties in both Germany and the US. Critics, including SPD's Katja Mast, emphasize Musk's influence as a wealthy and powerful figure, warning against his meddling in European politics. The gesture, seen at President Trump's inauguration, is perceived as crossing a line and has led to widespread condemnation. In response, Musk has made light of the criticisms through Nazi-related wordplay, intensifying the backlash. Organizations like the Anti-Defamation League denounced this as grossly inappropriate, given the historical atrocities associated with the symbols. However, Musk has found defenders, including Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who praised him as a supporter of Israel's defense. The controversy has extended to public protests, with activist groups projecting images of Musk's gesture onto Tesla's European factory in Grünheide. These actions have prompted investigations by German authorities into the potential use of unconstitutional symbols. Meanwhile, Musk's antics continue to fuel debates about the responsibilities of influential figures in combating extremist ideologies and the broader implications for social media and public discourse.