Controversy Arises Between Elon Musk and Wikipedia Over Controversial Gesture
Elon Musk challenges Wikipedia's depiction of a gesture criticized as a 'Nazi salute' during Trump's inauguration.
A recent dispute has emerged between billionaire Elon Musk and the online encyclopedia Wikipedia over a controversial gesture made by Musk during the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
On January 22, 2025, the gesture was added to Musk's Wikipedia biography, as well as to the page discussing the Nazi salute.
The gesture has drawn widespread commentary both in the United States and internationally.
Observers have described the gesture variously as 'fascist' or 'Nazi,' while others argue it was merely 'awkward.' Wikipedia notes that the gesture has been 'perceived by a number of observers as a Nazi salute,' although Elon Musk has defended himself against this interpretation.
The situation has led Musk to criticize Wikipedia, accusing it of perpetuating 'propaganda' from traditional media, which he often targets.
Musk subsequently urged his followers to reconsider their financial support for Wikipedia.
Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, responded to Musk, emphasizing the platform's commitment to facts and neutrality, and noted humorously on social media platform X that 'Elon isn't happy that Wikipedia isn't for sale,' referencing Musk's 2022 acquisition of X, previously known as Twitter, for $44 billion.
Wikipedia is operated by the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation and stands as a counterpoint to significant tech industry players like Google and Meta.
The platform, launched on January 15, 2001, provides content in over 300 languages and is viewed as a vestige of the early idealism of the internet, aiming to provide a voice to internet users globally.
Amid a general decline in trust in journalism and politics, as noted by Wales in an interview with Intelligencer, Wikipedia's editorial community continues efforts to maintain neutrality and clarity.
The introduction of 'community notes' on X, following Musk's acquisition, exemplifies a broader move towards user-generated content to moderate misinformation on the platform, though experts suggest this has turned X into a site rife with disinformation.
On January 22, 2025, the gesture was added to Musk's Wikipedia biography, as well as to the page discussing the Nazi salute.
The gesture has drawn widespread commentary both in the United States and internationally.
Observers have described the gesture variously as 'fascist' or 'Nazi,' while others argue it was merely 'awkward.' Wikipedia notes that the gesture has been 'perceived by a number of observers as a Nazi salute,' although Elon Musk has defended himself against this interpretation.
The situation has led Musk to criticize Wikipedia, accusing it of perpetuating 'propaganda' from traditional media, which he often targets.
Musk subsequently urged his followers to reconsider their financial support for Wikipedia.
Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, responded to Musk, emphasizing the platform's commitment to facts and neutrality, and noted humorously on social media platform X that 'Elon isn't happy that Wikipedia isn't for sale,' referencing Musk's 2022 acquisition of X, previously known as Twitter, for $44 billion.
Wikipedia is operated by the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation and stands as a counterpoint to significant tech industry players like Google and Meta.
The platform, launched on January 15, 2001, provides content in over 300 languages and is viewed as a vestige of the early idealism of the internet, aiming to provide a voice to internet users globally.
Amid a general decline in trust in journalism and politics, as noted by Wales in an interview with Intelligencer, Wikipedia's editorial community continues efforts to maintain neutrality and clarity.
The introduction of 'community notes' on X, following Musk's acquisition, exemplifies a broader move towards user-generated content to moderate misinformation on the platform, though experts suggest this has turned X into a site rife with disinformation.
