Media Double Standards: Elon Musk vs. Cory Booker in 'Nazi Salute' Controversy
- Ethan Justice
- Jun 2
- 2 min read
Media Double Standards: Elon Musk vs. Cory Booker in 'Nazi Salute' Controversy
In early 2025, two prominent figures—tech mogul Elon Musk and Senator Cory Booker—found themselves at the center of controversy for making gestures that some interpreted as resembling a Nazi salute. However, the media's response to each incident highlighted a stark contrast, raising questions about biases in reporting.
Elon Musk's Gesture and Media Backlash
On January 20, 2025, during a celebration of President Donald Trump's inauguration, Elon Musk made a gesture that drew widespread criticism. He placed his hand over his heart and extended his arm outward with an open palm, a motion many perceived as akin to a Nazi salute. Media outlets such as Axios, CNN, NPR and Reuters reported extensively on the incident, with headlines emphasizing the controversy and public outcry.
Musk dismissed the accusations, referring to them as "dirty tricks" and expressing frustration over the media's portrayal. Despite his defense, the incident led to significant backlash, including calls for bans in certain countries and criticism from various organizations.
Cory Booker's Similar Gesture and Media Silence
Several months later, Senator Cory Booker made a gesture during a speech at the California Democratic Convention that bore similarities to Musk's. He placed his hand over his heart and extended his arm outward with an open palm. While social media users quickly drew parallels between Booker's and Musk's gestures, mainstream media outlets largely refrained from covering the incident.
Booker's office responded to the criticism by stating that the Senator was merely waving to the audience, dismissing comparisons to Nazi salutes. The lack of extensive media coverage and public outcry in this instance contrasted sharply with the reaction to Musk's gesture. Also, previous uses of this same "salute" by Democratic leaders has been ignored and only "Nazi Salute" was applied to Musk by the main stream media.
Public Reaction and Accusations of Bias
The disparate treatment of the two incidents sparked debates over media bias and double standards. Critics argued that Musk faced disproportionate scrutiny due to his political affiliations and public persona, while Booker was largely shielded from similar backlash. This discrepancy led to discussions about the role of media in shaping public perception and the importance of consistent standards in reporting.
Conclusion
The contrasting media responses to Elon Musk's and Cory Booker's gestures underscore concerns about potential biases in news coverage. While both incidents involved similar actions, the disparity in reporting and public reaction highlights the need for consistent and impartial journalism. Without journalistic integrity, media outlets are no more than propaganda machines pushing out narratives to fit their bias and agenda.
Comments