The Roman salute is conditionally allowed in Italy and outright banned in Germany. German chancellor Olaf Scholz responded to Musk's gesture by saying, "We have the freedom of speech in Europe and in Germany," he said, "what we do not accept is if this is supporting extreme right positions."

The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX ignited controversy when he made an apparent Nazi salute during President Trump's second inauguration.

Elon Musks gesture at a Donald Trump rally has sparked outrage, with many accusing him of mimicking the Nazi salute. The controversy follows his close ties with far-right groups and political figures.