Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) clashed with Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) during her confirmation hearing over a comparison between Elon Musk's gesture during his inaugural address and a Nazi salute. There was a collision.
“What do you think about Elon Musk, perhaps the president's most prominent adviser, giving the Heil Hitler salute twice at the president's televised rally last night?” The question came after Stefanik, who nominated him, expressed concerns about the “corruption of anti-Semitism” in international organizations.
“No, Elon Musk did not salute like that,” Stefanik said. “Although I didn't attend the rally, I can say I've been to many rallies with Elon Musk, who loves to cheer when President Trump says we need to send the U.S. space program to Mars. Elon Musk is a visionary.”
She said she is looking forward to working with the technology mogul whom President Trump has named to lead the Department of Government Efficiency.
“That's not true at all,” Stefanik said of the comparison. “The American people are smart, they see it, and they support Elon Musk. We are proud to be a country with such successful entrepreneurs.”
Musk's gesture at the Inauguration Day event quickly drew backlash, with some likening his move to a Nazi salute. Musk dismissed the criticism on X, saying, “I'm tired of the 'everyone is Hitler' attack.”
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating anti-Semitism, also defended Musk, saying he gave an “awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm rather than a Nazi salute.”
But Murphy pressed the potential U.N. envoy, noting that right-wing extremists appeared to recognize or applaud the gesture.
“Last night, white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups in this country rallied around that visual multiple times. It is clear that neo-Nazi and white supremacist elements in the United States believe that what they saw last night was a neo-Nazi salute. “Are you concerned?” the senator asked.
Stefanik said his concerns were “these are the questions that I think are the most important to ask a UN ambassador” and vowed to be a “beacon of light” against anti-Semitism at the UN. . The former House Republican Conference chairman is an outspoken defender against anti-Semitism and called Israel “our most valuable ally” during the hearing.
“I choose to ask these questions because I think your efforts and your administration's work on anti-Semitism will only have real impact and credibility if we hold both the right and the left accountable. “,” Murphy countered.
“I simply cannot believe that if members of 'The Team' made the same gesture last night, there would be no comments from you or others,” Murphy said, referring to a private group of progressive members of the House. he said. .
