Did Mamdani Give A ‘Nazi Salute’? Viral Clip Sparks Elon Musk Comparisons, Media Bias Claims Online

Last Updated:January 02, 2026, 13:43 IST

Zohran Mamdani’s swearing-in as New York City Mayor sparked online claims of a Nazi salute, echoing earlier Elon Musk controversy, but no evidence of extremist intent was found.

Right-wing commentators claim a double standard, saying gestures that drew backlash when made by Musk are being ignored in Mamdani’s case. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Newly sworn-in New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has become the focus of a fresh political controversy online, after a video from his swearing-in ceremony sparked claims by a section of netizens and right-wing commentators that he made a “Nazi salute" — allegations that have reignited a broader MAGA critique of what it calls mainstream media double standards.

In the viral clip, Mamdani is seen briefly raising and extending his arm while addressing supporters during his victory speech.

Several pro-Donald Trump accounts on X claimed the gesture resembled a Nazi salute, drawing comparisons to a similar controversy earlier this year involving billionaire Elon Musk.

Conservative commentator Jeffery Mead argued that Musk was aggressively labelled a Nazi by sections of the media over a hand gesture, while Mamdani’s movement was allegedly ignored.

In one post, Mead wrote that when Musk made a similar motion, the media reaction was swift and accusatory, but that Mamdani faced silence.

Earlier this year, Elon Musk faced backlash after a brief hand gesture during a high-profile public appearance linked to inauguration-day events, with some commentators and social media users alleging it resembled a Nazi salute.

Several media outlets and critics debated the gesture extensively at the time, though no evidence emerged to suggest extremist intent. Musk dismissed the accusations as politically motivated

Popular conservative account, the Libs of TikTok, used the cricket emoji — commonly employed online to suggest silence or lack of response — to imply that mainstream outlets had chosen not to cover Mamdani’s gesture.

Conservative meme account Planet Of Memes also weighed in, posting side-by-side comparisons and claiming that only Musk had faced scrutiny for a similar arm movement. The account has millions of followers and usually backs MAGA-aligned narratives.

Older posts from November 2025 resurfaced as well. Account Ole Murica had earlier alleged that Mamdani greeted supporters with a Nazi salute and accused the media of deliberately avoiding the story, urging users to circulate the clip widely.

The renewed attention followed Mamdani’s formal swearing-in shortly after midnight on Thursday. The 34-year-old Democrat became New York City’s 112th mayor, marking a generational shift in the leadership of the United States’ largest city. His administration has said it will prioritise housing affordability, public services and economic equity.

There is, however, no evidence to suggest any extremist intent behind Mamdani’s gesture. Supporters and independent observers said the arm movement appeared to be a routine gesture made while emphasising a point during a speech and dismissed the allegations as misleading and politically motivated.

News viral Did Mamdani Give A ‘Nazi Salute’? Viral Clip Sparks Elon Musk Comparisons, Media Bias Claims Online

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