Conservative commentators lashed out at New Jersey Senator Cory Booker over a gesture he made at the end of a speech Saturday night, arguing it closely resembled a Nazi salute. Critics also drew parallels to a similar gesture by Elon Musk, which previously drew widespread condemnation from liberals.
Booker made the motion while speaking at a Democratic gathering in California. He first placed his hand over his heart, then extended his arm outward with an open palm raised above shoulder level, directed toward the audience.
Social media personalities were quick to highlight what they saw as a double standard, pointing out the lack of backlash Booker faced compared to the firestorm that followed Musk’s action earlier this year.
“If Elon Musk is a Nazi for doing this gesture.. Cory Booker is one too. Sorry, I don’t make the rules,” read one widely shared post online.
Another viral comment mocked the perceived hypocrisy: “Cory Booker did the thing. This is literally the Third Reich all over again. These are the darkest days ever. Democracy is doomed.”
Users on the X platform voiced frustration over what they called inconsistent reactions from media and political figures.
“Same gesture. Different political party. Funny how that works,” wrote Brandon Straka, who leads the Walk Away campaign.

“This better be a national story for the next week!,” another user remarked sarcastically.
Back in January, Elon Musk drew criticism after performing a nearly identical gesture during an event at the Capital One Arena celebrating an inauguration.
“Thank you for making it happen. Thank you, my heart goes out to you,” Musk said at the time, placing his hand on his chest before extending his arm toward attendees.
Although the one-armed gesture prompted accusations of Nazi symbolism, some Jewish organizations and leaders defended Musk, attributing it to poor judgment rather than malice.
“It seems that @elonmusk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute, but again, we appreciate that people are on edge,” the Anti-Defamation League commented on X.
Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu also came to Musk’s defense, stating on X, “@elonmusk is being falsely smeared. Elon is a great friend of Israel.”
{Matzav.com}