Firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) sharply criticized PBS News on Monday following its characterization of a gesture by tech billionaire Elon Musk at President Donald Trump’s inauguration rally, which some compared to a Nazi salute. Greene, recently appointed to a key House subcommittee, accused PBS of spreading propaganda at taxpayer expense.
Musk delivered a speech to an enthusiastic MAGA crowd at Trump’s post-inauguration celebration in the Capital One Arena. However, it wasn’t his words that ignited social media but a gesture he made at the conclusion of his speech. Critics and commentators quickly pointed out its resemblance to the Nazi “Sieg Heil” salute.
“My god… Musk just did the N*zi Salute live on TV,” health economist Eric Feigl-Ding posted on Bluesky, sharing a screenshot of the moment. He added, “I’ve read a dozen pundits including Berlin journalists who agree it’s the Hitler 3rd Reich salute.”
PBS News also weighed in, posting on X: “Billionaire Elon Musk gave what appeared to be a fascist salute Monday while making a speech at the post-inauguration celebration for President Donald Trump at the Capital One Arena.” The post described Musk’s gesture as placing his hand on his chest before raising it in a manner “similar to the ‘Sieg Heil’ used by Nazis at their victory rallies.”
Greene, a staunch Trump ally, took issue with PBS’ framing. As chairwoman of the Oversight Subcommittee on DOGE, tasked with budget oversight and collaboration with Musk, she issued a sharp response on X. “As the Chairwoman of the Oversight Subcommittee on DOGE, I look forward to PBS @NewsHour coming before my committee and explaining why lying and spreading propaganda to serve the Democrat party and attack Republicans is a good use of taxpayer funds. We will be in touch soon,” Greene wrote.
PBS receives about a third of its funding from combined state, federal, and local sources, with approximately 15% coming from the federal government. Greene’s comments suggest the network may face scrutiny over its reporting practices.
The Anti-Defamation League notes that the Nazi salute originated in 1930s Germany to “pay homage to Adolf Hitler” and remains “the most common white supremacist hand sign in the world.” The organization’s description added context to the widespread backlash Musk’s gesture received.
The controversy has further polarized opinions on Musk and Trump’s inauguration, while Greene’s response signals potential political battles over media accountability and funding.