World News for Students of English

24-01-2025 15:00

Elon Musk’s hand gesture during a speech at Donald Trump’s inauguration has caused widespread debate. At a rally in Washington, he slapped his chest and extended his arm outward, which some believe resembled a Nazi salute.

The gesture quickly went viral, especially in Germany, where such actions are associated with Adolf Hitler and are illegal. Opinions on the gesture are divided. Historians argued it resembled the Nazi salute, while organizations like the Anti-Defamation League defended Musk, calling it an awkward gesture rather than a deliberate act. Musk dismissed the controversy on his X platform, stating critics needed ‘better dirty tricks.’

This controversy followed Musk’s recent support of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. His endorsement shocked many, as AfD is labeled a suspected extremist party. Musk’s actions and comments, including mistakenly calling Hitler a communist, have raised concerns about his influence.

Difficult words: deliberate (done intentionally), dismiss (to treat as unworthy of serious consideration), controversy (public disagreement or heated discussion), endorsement (the act of saying that you approve of or support something or someone).

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