Elise Stefanik Smacks Down Democrat Senator’s Absurd Claim With Sharp Retort
On Tuesday, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for her confirmation hearing. She addressed a range of topics, including U.S. involvement in the U.N. and her strong support for Israel.
During the hearing, Stefanik swiftly pushed back against a claim from Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) concerning Elon Musk’s appearance at a Trump rally the day before. Musk had addressed the crowd, placing his right hand over his heart before extending it outward in gratitude to supporters.
Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, pressed Stefanik about online reactions to Musk’s gestures during the event, which some groups had interpreted as a Nazi salute. Stefanik, without hesitation, dismissed the assertion.
“No, Elon Musk did not do those salutes. I was not at the rally, but I can tell you I’ve been at many rallies with Elon Musk, who loves to cheer when President Trump says we need to send our U.S. space program to Mars,” she said. “Elon Musk is a visionary. I’m looking forward to his work in DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency.”
“Does it concern you that those elements of the neo-Nazi and white supremacist elements in the United States believe that what they saw last night was a neo-Nazi salute?” Murphy then asked. “What concerns me is this is what you believe are the most important questions to ask the UN ambassador,” Stefanik fired back.
“I have a very strong record when it comes to combating anti-Semitism. President Trump earned historic support from American voters because of his strong leadership combating anti-Semitism, which has been a scourge across the country skyrocketing since October 7th,” she continued.
The “hand on heart” gesture has a long history across various cultures and contexts, with meanings far removed from Nazi symbolism. Placing the hand over the heart is a common gesture of respect during national anthems, pledges of allegiance, and moments of silence.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) defended Musk, stating that the gesture was likely an awkward moment of enthusiasm rather than a Nazi salute. “This is a delicate moment. It’s a new day and yet so many are on edge. Our politics are inflamed, and social media only adds to the anxiety,” the left-leaning group wrote in a social media post.
“It seems that Elon Musk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute, but again, we appreciate that people are on edge. In this moment, all sides should give one another a bit of grace, perhaps even the benefit of the doubt, and take a breath. This is a new beginning. Let’s hope for healing and work toward unity in the months and years ahead.”
Musk addressed the controversy himself by dismissing the allegations on X. “Frankly, they need better dirty tricks,” he wrote. “The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired.”
President Trump has appointed Musk to head the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Although not an official federal executive department, DOGE operates as an advisory body tasked with streamlining the federal bureaucracy and reducing government expenditures existing outside the conventional Cabinet framework.
