Elon Musk addressed a crowd in Washington, D.C., following President Trump's inauguration, delivering an enthusiastic speech that emphasized optimism and future achievements. Musk stated, "This is what victory feels like. And this was no ordinary victory. This was a fork in the road of human civilization" [1]. However, his speech drew attention for more than just its content. Musk's hand gestures, described as extending his arm with his palm facing down, were compared online to a Nazi salute, sparking immediate controversy [4]. The Anti-Defamation League commented that Musk's gesture seemed awkward but not intentionally fascist, urging people to give each other "a bit of grace" [5].

Elon Musk has been tasked with leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a controversial initiative aimed at cutting federal bureaucracy and reducing government waste by $500 billion annually [2]. However, DOGE is facing multiple lawsuits, one of which claims that it violates the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) by lacking transparency and balance in its advisory roles. The lawsuit, filed by National Security Counselors, argues that DOGE's membership is not representative of federal employees or public interests [3].

The reaction to Musk's speech and the DOGE initiative has been mixed, with significant public and legal pushback. Critics, including the Center for Biological Diversity, have filed lawsuits seeking transparency about DOGE's role in the Trump administration's transition and its future plans [3]. Meanwhile, public figures and organizations like the Anti-Defamation League have weighed in on Musk's controversial gestures, with some defending and others condemning his actions. The debate continues as the public scrutinizes both Musk's leadership and the broader implications of DOGE's objectives [5].