On Tuesday, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for her confirmation hearing.

Stefanik, known for her strong support of Israel and active involvement in U.N. issues, addressed several topics, including international diplomacy, combating anti-Semitism, and U.S. priorities at the U.N.

The hearing took a contentious turn when Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) raised concerns about a gesture made by Elon Musk at a Trump rally the previous day.

Murphy suggested that Musk’s gesture, described as placing his hand over his heart before extending it outward in thanks to the crowd, had drawn criticism online, with some claiming it resembled a Nazi salute.

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Stefanik quickly pushed back against Murphy’s line of questioning.

“No, Elon Musk did not do those salutes. I was not at the rally, but I can tell you I’ve been at many rallies with Elon Musk, who loves to cheer when President Trump says we need to send our U.S. space program to Mars,” Stefanik stated.

She added, “Elon Musk is a visionary. I’m looking forward to his work in DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency.”

Murphy pressed further, asking, “Does it concern you that those elements of the neo-Nazi and white supremacist elements in the United States believe that what they saw last night was a neo-Nazi salute?”

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Stefanik responded forcefully, “What concerns me is this is what you believe are the most important questions to ask the UN ambassador.”

She then highlighted her record on combating anti-Semitism. “President Trump earned historic support from American voters because of his strong leadership combating anti-Semitism, which has been a scourge across the country skyrocketing since October 7th.”

The “hand on heart” gesture has been widely recognized as a sign of respect and has no inherent connection to Nazi symbolism.

It is commonly used during national anthems, moments of silence, and other acts of reverence.

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The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) issued a statement defending Musk, suggesting the gesture was an innocent display of enthusiasm rather than anything nefarious.

“This is a delicate moment. It’s a new day and yet so many are on edge. Our politics are inflamed, and social media only adds to the anxiety,” the ADL wrote in a social media post.

“It seems that Elon Musk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute, but again, we appreciate that people are on edge. In this moment, all sides should give one another a bit of grace, perhaps even the benefit of the doubt, and take a breath.”

The ADL’s statement urged for unity and understanding during a politically charged period, emphasizing the need for healing and collaboration.

Elon Musk, who has been a prominent figure in technological innovation and now political circles, was recently appointed by President Trump to head the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

While not an official federal department, DOGE functions as an advisory body focused on streamlining government bureaucracy and reducing wasteful spending.

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