Maye Musk is calling on her son, Elon Musk, to take legal action against CNN and other outlets for saying he gave a Nazi salute at President Donald Trump’s inauguration. The tech billionaire seems open to the idea, which has to have media executives shaking in their boots right now.
Key Facts:
- The controversy began when Elon Musk made a gesture at President Trump’s inauguration rally, and several media figures likened it to a Nazi salute.
- CNN panelist Catherine Rampell claimed Musk performed two “Sieg Heil” salutes.
- Maye Musk responded on X, urging her son to sue CNN, PBS News, The Guardian, and others.
- Tim Walz and MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow also alleged Musk was making a Nazi salute.
- Elon Musk indicated he may pursue a lawsuit against Walz, calling him a “creepy [clown].”
The Rest of The Story:
During a segment last week, CNN’s Kasie Hunt described Musk’s gesture as “evocative of things we’ve seen through history.”
Later, commentator Catherine Rampell doubled down by insisting Musk delivered two Nazi salutes, prompting another panelist, Scott Jennings, to warn her to “lawyer up.”
Soon after, an X user suggested Musk sue for defamation, and both the tech mogul and his mother agreed.
I have been receiving so much hatred because of the @CNN panel with @crampell yelling about Nazi salutes. @elonmusk , please sue them.
Thank you @ScottJenningsKY for trying to intervene with the truth. https://t.co/YsswNI7GSP— Maye Musk (@mayemusk) January 29, 2025
Maye Musk then added that CNN was not alone—she called for suing PBS News, The Guardian, and MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow for echoing the same accusation.
These calls for lawsuits follow other high-profile defamation cases.
A jury recently found CNN defamed Navy veteran Zachary Young, and ABC News settled a lawsuit brought by President Trump for $15 million over false statements made by George Stephanopoulos.
Commentary:
It would be a welcome change to see Elon Musk fight back in court.
For too long, certain media outlets have labeled people who disagree with them as “Nazis,” without evidence.
If the accusations are truly baseless, it seems only fair that those making them should be held financially responsible.
A successful lawsuit might encourage more caution in how reporters handle serious allegations.
The role of the press is to inform citizens, not slander individuals they happen to oppose politically.
People are tired of reckless headlines that blur the line between reporting and opinion.
Whether Musk’s salute looked strange or not, the burden of proof should be on those calling him a Nazi.
If they cannot back up their claims, they should be forced to face the consequences.
It’s past time for the media to either stick to the facts or clearly label their commentary as opinion.
If that means some outlets risk massive legal judgments, so be it.
“Of course Elon Musk gave a Nazi salute!”
Same guy pic.twitter.com/YiQXzk4SDi
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 29, 2025
The Bottom Line:
Elon Musk stands at a crossroads over whether to sue those who insist he gave a Nazi salute.
The outcome could send a powerful message to the media about when accusations cross the line into defamation.
Maybe, and I know this is a weird idea, they could go back to just reporting the facts or label their opinion as such.
Read Next
– Hegseth Quickly Reverses ‘Malicious’ Pause in Air Force’s Suspension
– 700 Workers to Lose Their Jobs as Tire Company Shutters Plant After Over Five Decades of Operation
– Gunfire on the Rio Grande: Mexican Cartel Opens Fire on Border Patrol Agents