A gesture made by US senator Cory Booker at the California Democratic convention on Saturday is drawing widespread comparisons to a similar move by Elon Musk earlier this year, and now, Musk himself has weighed in.
Booker concluded his speech to delegates with an extended-arm gesture that many on social media likened to a Nazi salute — the same controversial comparison that was made when Musk placed his hand on his chest and then extended it outward during Donald Trump’s second inauguration.
At the time, Musk was harshly criticised by many Democrats, who claimed the move resembled fascist symbolism. Musk defended his gesture, explaining it as a heartfelt message: “My heart goes out to you.”
Now, with Booker, a prominent Democrat, making a near-identical gesture, Musk reacted to the video with an emoji on his X handle.
Booker, 56, has not responded to the viral claims. The moment came as Booker addressed delegates, encouraging them to “get into some good trouble,” quoting the late civil rights icon John Lewis.
The senator focused much of his speech on the need to resist US President Donald Trump’s agenda and rebuild trust with voters.
“I think the Democratic Party lost a lot of elections because people didn't believe that they cared about them,” he said. “So let's stop worrying about the politics and get more focused on the people.”
He went on to stress the importance of activism and creativity in civic engagement.
“I know one thing it's not is sitting down and doing nothing and just watching on TV and getting stuck in a state of sedentary agitation. Everybody has to be taking measures to put the pressure on to change,” he said.
However, the speech’s closing moment quickly overshadowed the rest of his speech.
“I’m literally shaking right now. Cory Booker is literally Hitler,” one social media user wrote.
Another post read, “Cory Booker does a NAZI SALUTE at the California Democratic Convention HOLY CRAP! LITERALLY HITLER!”
Booker, who ran for president in 2020, said after the convention that he’s focused on running for reelection to the senate in 2026. When asked about a possible 2028 presidential bid, he replied, “2028 will take care of itself.”
Critics have also pointed out that earlier this year, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon faced similar scrutiny for a comparable gesture.
Booker concluded his speech to delegates with an extended-arm gesture that many on social media likened to a Nazi salute — the same controversial comparison that was made when Musk placed his hand on his chest and then extended it outward during Donald Trump’s second inauguration.
🚨 #BREAKING: Cory Booker does a NAZl SALUTE at the California Democratic Convention
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) May 31, 2025
HOLY CRAP!
LITERALLY HlTLER! pic.twitter.com/Blve5EoHnP
At the time, Musk was harshly criticised by many Democrats, who claimed the move resembled fascist symbolism. Musk defended his gesture, explaining it as a heartfelt message: “My heart goes out to you.”
Now, with Booker, a prominent Democrat, making a near-identical gesture, Musk reacted to the video with an emoji on his X handle.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 1, 2025
Booker, 56, has not responded to the viral claims. The moment came as Booker addressed delegates, encouraging them to “get into some good trouble,” quoting the late civil rights icon John Lewis.
The senator focused much of his speech on the need to resist US President Donald Trump’s agenda and rebuild trust with voters.
“I think the Democratic Party lost a lot of elections because people didn't believe that they cared about them,” he said. “So let's stop worrying about the politics and get more focused on the people.”
He went on to stress the importance of activism and creativity in civic engagement.
“I know one thing it's not is sitting down and doing nothing and just watching on TV and getting stuck in a state of sedentary agitation. Everybody has to be taking measures to put the pressure on to change,” he said.
However, the speech’s closing moment quickly overshadowed the rest of his speech.
“I’m literally shaking right now. Cory Booker is literally Hitler,” one social media user wrote.
Another post read, “Cory Booker does a NAZI SALUTE at the California Democratic Convention HOLY CRAP! LITERALLY HITLER!”
Booker, who ran for president in 2020, said after the convention that he’s focused on running for reelection to the senate in 2026. When asked about a possible 2028 presidential bid, he replied, “2028 will take care of itself.”
Critics have also pointed out that earlier this year, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon faced similar scrutiny for a comparable gesture.
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