A gesture made by US senator Cory Booker on the California Democratic conference on Saturday is drawing widespread comparisons to an analogous transfer by Elon Musk earlier this yr, and now, Musk himself has weighed in.Booker concluded his speech to delegates with an extended-arm gesture that many on social media likened to a Nazi salute — the identical controversial comparability that was made when Musk positioned his hand on his chest after which prolonged it outward throughout Donald Trump’s second inauguration.On the time, Musk was harshly criticised by many Democrats, who claimed the transfer resembled fascist symbolism. Musk defended his gesture, explaining it as a heartfelt message: “My coronary heart goes out to you.”Now, with Booker, a outstanding Democrat, making a near-identical gesture, Musk reacted to the video with an emoji on his X deal with.Booker, 56, has not responded to the viral claims. The second got here as Booker addressed delegates, encouraging them to “get into some good bother,” quoting the late civil rights icon John Lewis.The senator centered a lot of his speech on the necessity to withstand US President Donald Trump’s agenda and rebuild belief with voters.“I believe the Democratic Occasion misplaced a variety of elections as a result of individuals did not imagine that they cared about them,” he mentioned. “So let’s cease worrying in regards to the politics and get extra centered on the individuals.” He went on to emphasize the significance of activism and creativity in civic engagement.“I do know one factor it is not is sitting down and doing nothing and simply watching on TV and getting caught in a state of sedentary agitation. All people needs to be taking measures to place the stress on to vary,” he mentioned.Nonetheless, the speech’s closing second shortly overshadowed the remainder of his speech. “I’m actually shaking proper now. Cory Booker is actually Hitler,” one social media consumer wrote. One other submit learn, “Cory Booker does a NAZI SALUTE on the California Democratic Conference HOLY CRAP! LITERALLY HITLER!”Booker, who ran for president in 2020, mentioned after the conference that he’s centered on working for reelection to the senate in 2026. When requested a couple of potential 2028 presidential bid, he replied, “2028 will maintain itself.”Critics have additionally identified that earlier this yr, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon confronted related scrutiny for a comparable gesture.
