Elon Musk thought it might be a “good idea” to hold CNN accountable after even his own mother called for a defamation lawsuit.
As the controversy continued over the billionaire’s gesture during an inaugural event for President Donald Trump, leftist media kept the topic alive during a “CNN NewsNight” segment on Monday that had Maye Musk urging her son on social media to “please sue” the network.
“I have been receiving so much hatred because of the @CNN panel with @crampell yelling about Nazi salutes,” the 76-year-old model wrote on X, referring to the segment with Catherine Rampell and Scott Jennings.
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
Musk then thanked Jennings “for trying to intervene with the truth.”
During the segment that pushed the idea that the hand gesture was a sort of fascist salute or a “Sieg Heil,” Jennings would not comply when challenged by Campbell to make the same move on the air. This, of course, only served to stoke the outrage on the CNN panel as it seemed to confirm the controversy over Musk’s actions.
The Tesla/SpaceX CEO and owner of X responded that it was a “good idea” when one social media user suggested a defamation lawsuit.
“The way they continue to drag your good name through the mud with their N*zi salute hoax is reprehensible,” the post read.
Good idea
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 28, 2025
Musk also responded to another X user who noted ” I think it is time to sue Tim Walz and Rachel Maddow. The Nazi hoax had gone on long enough.”
Good idea https://t.co/mWouoO5cuE
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 29, 2025
After the initial outrage and media frenzy accusing Musk of a Hitler-esque salute, the head of Trump’s DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) posted on X: “Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired.”
Despite the immediate attacks on the billionaire, the Anti-Defamation League dismissed his “awkward” hand move meant to show love to the crowd at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
“It seems that Elon Musk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute,” the group founded to combat antisemitism posted on X.
Maye Musk’s suggestion to her son to sue CNN for defamation, and other calls for the same, resonated with many X users.
There are two women on this planet that I would never mess with if I’m on the other side:
Melania Trump and Mama Maye.
Forget Trump and Elon: Half of America will open a can of whoop-ass for these two.
— Random Thoughts From A GenX Gal (@empath_angry) January 29, 2025
Yes!!! How does CNN get away with it? They should be held accountable
— AJH – Question Everything (@1_2_question) January 29, 2025
When mom says go Elon you go. Mom knows best
— Rearly1 (@Rearly1) January 29, 2025
The best way to stop this slander is to hit them hard in the wallet.
— Sherri (@SociallySherri) January 28, 2025
The Democrat propagandist have not learned one lesson. They still think they can lie and get away with it
— Cash Loren (@CashLorenShow) January 28, 2025
The settlement will be Elon taking over.
— Fern Hedglin (@Fernhedge) January 29, 2025