Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized Elon Musk, stating, In the United States, we stand against Nazis

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has publicly criticized Elon Musk following a gesture he made during President Donald Trump’s inauguration that resembled a Nazi salute.

During an Instagram Live session, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez strongly stated, “This is the United States of America. I don’t care what Elon Musk is doing behind a presidential seal. In this country, we stand against Nazis.”

The controversy began when Musk, speaking at an inauguration rally for President Trump, made a gesture that appeared similar to the Roman salute used in Nazi Germany.

While Musk and his allies dismissed the comparison, stating it was an “awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm,” Ocasio-Cortez rejected this explanation. “Two of the most pivotal moments in American history involve overcoming major threats to freedom and democracy: defeating the Confederacy and standing against the Nazis. I stand firmly against the Nazis. That’s where I draw the line.”

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), an organization dedicated to combating antisemitism, defended Musk, suggesting that his gesture was not intended as a Nazi salute.

In response, Ocasio-Cortez accused the ADL of “defending a Heil Hitler salute” and implied that the organization was compromised by its support for Trump. This led to criticism of Ocasio-Cortez for allegedly “jewsplaining” to a prominent Jewish civil rights organization.

Musk addressed the accusations by stating, “The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired,” and expressed gratitude to the ADL for their support.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of tensions between Ocasio-Cortez and Musk. Previously, Ocasio-Cortez criticized Musk for suspending journalists on Twitter, urging him to “lay off the proto-fascism.”

Additionally, she has called out Musk’s anti-immigrant stance by highlighting his own immigrant background, stating, “You’re literally an immigrant.”

The exchange between Ocasio-Cortez and Musk underscores the deepening political and social divisions in the U.S., with public figures and organizations navigating complex issues related to free speech, historical symbolism, and the responsibilities of influential individuals.