Did Zohran Mamdani really make a ‘Nazi salute’ at his inauguration? MAGA supporters compare him to Elon Musk

Mamdani inauguration gesture sparks ‘Nazi salute’ claims, Elon Musk comparison online

• Zohran Mamdani sworn in as NYC's 112th mayor, pledging progressive reforms
• Debate over Mamdani's gesture at inauguration, some claim it was a Nazi salute
• No evidence of extremist intent; supporters say gesture was for emphasis

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Democrat Zohran Mamdani was publicly sworn in as New York City’s 112th mayor shortly after midnight on Thursday, formally ushering in a new administration focused on affordability and progressive reforms.

The 34-year-old took office following a ceremony held in the early hours of the day, marking a generational shift in the city’s leadership. Mamdani has pledged to prioritise housing costs, public services, and economic equity as central pillars of his mayoralty.

However, the inauguration was followed by controversy on social media after clips from the event circulated online showing Mamdani briefly extending his right arm while speaking. Some supporters of US President Donald Trump claimed the gesture resembled a Nazi salute.

The allegations quickly spread across social media platforms, though no evidence has emerged to suggest any extremist intent behind the gesture. Supporters dismissed the claims as misleading and politically motivated, noting the movement occurred during a moment of emphasis while Mamdani was addressing the crowd.

The mayor’s office did not immediately respond to the online claims, as attention remained focused on the policy agenda Mamdani is expected to roll out in the early days of his term.

Zohran Mamdani did the same exact gesture today at his swearing in that the left called a “Nazi salute” when @elonmusk did it. pic.twitter.com/JNOM7djZqO

— Brandon Straka #WalkAway (@BrandonStraka) January 1, 2026

Netizens reacted 

Social media users continued to debate a hand gesture made by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during his swearing-in ceremony, with critics and supporters offering sharply contrasting interpretations of the moment.

Several posts accused Mamdani of making a Nazi salute, with one user writing, "So it’s ok when Mamdani does the Nazi salute now?"

Another wrote, "I am shaking. Zohran Mamdani just did a Nazi Salute. Rules are rules. Cancel him."

Others drew comparisons to a gesture made by Elon Musk during an inauguration rally for President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025. Musk’s movement, which involved extending his arm outward twice while speaking, was widely criticised at the time for resembling a Nazi salute.

"Zohran Mamdani just did the EXACT SAME gesture as Elon Musk. When Elon does it, it's a Nazi salute," one user wrote on X.

Another commented, “Do you see the Nazi salute Mamdani just gave? Or is it only a Nazi salute when Elon does it, but when Mamdani does it, it’s just a “gesture of love”?”

Supporters of the mayor pushed back strongly against the accusations, arguing that the movement was a common rhetorical gesture used to emphasise a point during speeches.

Responding to questions about the incident, Grok, X’s AI assistant, said the gesture did not match the historical definition of a Nazi salute.

"The gesture in the video from Mayor Mamdani's inauguration seems to be a raised fist for emphasis, common in speeches for solidarity or enthusiasm. It's not a traditional Nazi salute (straight arm, palm down). Similar arm waves have fueled past debates, like with Elon Musk in 2025. Multiple news outlets report no such intent in his address."

As of now, Mamdani has not commented publicly on the claims.