'This algorithm sucks': Elon Musk says he is going to 'lose his mind' over Nazi salute posts on X

Responding to the criticism, Elon Musk dismissed the allegations.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and owner of the social media platform X, addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding allegations that he performed a "Nazi salute" at an event. Taking to X on Friday, Musk expressed his frustration with the platform’s algorithm, writing, “If I see one more damn Nazi salute in my feed, I’m gonna lose my mind. This algorithm sucks!!”

The uproar began on January 20 when Musk raised his right arm while addressing a crowd of supporters of former US President Donald Trump. People argued that his gesture resembled the infamous Nazi salute, sparking widespread backlash online. Musk’s actions reignited debates on social media, with critics accusing him of endorsing extremist ideologies.

If I see one more damn Nazi salute in my feed, Im gonna lose my mindThis algorithm sucks!!
Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 24, 2025

Responding to the criticism, Musk dismissed the allegations, posting, “The radical leftists are really upset that they had to take time out of their busy day praising Hamas to call me a Nazi.” In another post, he called for his critics to devise “better dirty tricks” to attack him.

Adding to the controversy, Musk turned his attention to Wikipedia, accusing the online encyclopedia of perpetuating bias by labelling his hand gesture as a “Nazi” or “fascist” salute. He posted on X, “Since legacy media propaganda is considered a ‘valid’ source by Wikipedia, it naturally simply becomes an extension of legacy media propaganda!” He also urged his followers to “defund Wikipedia until balance is restored.”

Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales responded to Musk’s comments, stating, “I think Elon is unhappy that Wikipedia is not for sale. I hope his campaign to defund us results in lots of donations from people who care about the truth. If Elon wanted to help, he’d be encouraging kind and thoughtful intellectual people he agrees with to engage.”

Amid the backlash, Musk received strong support from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who defended him. Netanyahu posted on X, “Elon is a great friend of Israel. He has repeatedly and forcefully supported Israel’s right to defend itself against genocidal terrorists and regimes who seek to annihilate the one and only Jewish state.”

According to reports, the controversial gesture occurred during an event where Musk told the audience, “This was no ordinary victory. This was a fork in the road of human civilisation. This one really mattered. Thank you for making it happen. Thank you.” At the end of his address, Musk reportedly placed his right hand on his chest, spread his fingers wide, and raised his arm at an upward angle, a gesture his critics claimed bore resemblance to a Nazi salute.