Fact Check: Did Obama and Harris Really Make ‘Nazi’ Salutes?

A heated debate has erupted online after photos of former President Barack Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, and other Democratic figures resurfaced, showing them with their arms raised. Critics on social media are drawing comparisons to the Nazi salute—a claim sparking controversy and accusations of double standards.

The controversy began when Elon Musk, recently appointed by President Trump to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), made a gesture during his inauguration at Capital One Arena. Critics claimed it resembled a Nazi salute.

Musk fired back, calling the criticism a “dirty trick.” On his platform X (formerly Twitter), Musk responded:

“Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired.”

Soon after, conservative commentators unearthed old photos of prominent Democrats—including Obama, Harris, Elizabeth Warren, and Hillary Clinton—making similar gestures, questioning why the media had overlooked these images.

Can someone direct me to the articles where the media expressed outrage over this? Can’t find any… pic.twitter.com/ivBzKGHhQr

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 21, 2025

Popular right-wing account Libs of TikTok shared the photos, asking:

“Can someone direct me to the articles where the media expressed outrage over this? Can’t find any…”

Elon Musk joined the conversation, posting:

“The legacy media is pure propaganda. You are the media now.”

Others chimed in with accusations of hypocrisy, pointing to the silence from mainstream outlets when these Democrats struck similar poses.

Why isn’t CNN showing this?

"Obama and Kamala performing a Nazi salute." pic.twitter.com/aarBfyI1GT

— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) January 20, 2025

What Do the Photos Show?

• Barack Obama (2010): The photo of Obama was taken at a Republican House Issues Conference in Baltimore. Footage from the event shows him gesturing while addressing healthcare reforms. His arm is extended outward, not raised in a manner resembling a salute.
• Kamala Harris (2019): Harris was captured at a South Carolina Democratic event. Video footage shows her pointing emphatically while criticizing then-President Trump.
• Elizabeth Warren (2016): Warren’s image comes from the Democratic National Convention. She waved to the crowd and clapped, raising her arm briefly before lowering it.
• Hillary Clinton (2007): Clinton’s photo, taken at a rally in Iowa, lacks accompanying video for context. However, no accusations of improper gestures were made at the time.

Critics argue that the media’s focus on Musk is politically motivated. Republican strategist Mark Meadows commented:

“When Democrats make these gestures, it’s ignored or excused. When someone like Musk does it, it’s suddenly a national scandal. Americans are tired of this hypocrisy.”

Musk’s gesture has drawn scrutiny due to his recent support for controversial figures. He has defended Tommy Robinson, a far-right British activist, and praised Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, classified as “far-right extremist” by German courts.

While critics question Musk’s intent, supporters argue the uproar is overblown. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) weighed in cautiously:

“It seems Musk made an awkward gesture, not a Nazi salute. We urge people to approach this with grace.”

However, Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez blasted the ADL, tweeting:

“You’re defending a Heil Hitler salute. Unbelievable.”

The claim that Obama, Harris, or other Democrats made Nazi salutes is false and misleading. Context reveals their gestures were unrelated to fascist symbolism. As for Musk, the debate continues, reflecting deeper divisions in today’s political landscape.

While social media photos are real, they lack context. Intent matters, and there’s no evidence that Democratic figures performed Nazi salutes.