“Same gesture, different political party. Funny how that works,” . . .

. . . New ‘Nazi salute’ furore erupts in US as Cory Booker is accused of making the same gesture as Elon Musk said activist Brandon Straka, joking (sarcastically) that Mr Booker was “giving a heartfelt, patriotic salute” while Mr Musk was “personally resurrecting the Third Reich, according to the media”.

. . ."Media Double Standards: Elon Musk vs. Cory Booker in 'Nazi Salute' Controversy

In early 2025, two prominent figures—tech mogul Elon Musk and Senator Cory Booker—found themselves at the center of controversy for making gestures that some interpreted as resembling a Nazi salute. However, the media's response to each incident highlighted a stark contrast, raising questions about biases in reporting.

"Elon Musk's Gesture and Media Backlash

"On January 20, 2025, during a celebration of President Donald Trump's inauguration, Elon Musk made a gesture that drew widespread criticism. He placed his hand over his heart and extended his arm outward with an open palm, a motion many perceived as akin to a Nazi salute. Media outlets such as Axios, CNN, NPR and Reuters reported extensively on the incident, with headlines emphasizing the controversy and public outcry.

"Musk dismissed the accusations, referring to them as "dirty tricks" and expressing frustration over the media's portrayal. Despite his defense, the incident led to significant backlash, including calls for bans in certain countries and criticism from various organizations.

"Cory Booker's Similar Gesture and Media Silence

Several months later, Senator Cory Booker made a gesture during a speech at the California Democratic Convention that bore similarities to Musk's. He placed his hand over his heart and extended his arm outward with an open palm. While social media users quickly drew parallels between Booker's and Musk's gestures, mainstream media outlets largely refrained from covering the incident.