Elon Musk Targets Tim Walz, Suggests Lawsuit Over ‘Nazi Salute’ Claim

Elon Musk is considering legal action against Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz after the failed vice presidential candidate claimed on national television that Musk made a Nazi salute. The X owner responded to Walz’s comments on social media Wednesday, calling the Democrat “creepy” and hinting at a defamation lawsuit.

The controversy began after Walz appeared on MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show,” where he brought up the claim that Musk performed the gesture at President Donald Trump’s inauguration rally. “Of course he did,” Walz insisted, keeping alive a debunked narrative that had already been dismissed by figures including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

After filmmaker Robby Starbuck shared a clip of Walz’s comments and suggested Musk should sue him, Musk replied, “I think I will.” He followed up by referring to Walz as a “creepy” clown emoji. The billionaire later suggested he may also take legal action against MSNBC host Rachel Maddow, who previously suggested Musk’s gesture resembled a “Roman salute.”

The claim against Musk stems from a moment at Trump’s inauguration rally where he tapped his chest twice and extended his right arm. Left-wing critics immediately latched onto the image, accusing him of making a Nazi gesture. Defenders, including Netanyahu, dismissed the accusations as politically motivated smears.

Musk, who spent $277 million supporting Trump and Republicans in the 2024 election, has increasingly become a target for Democrats and liberal media outlets. Walz, who ran as Kamala Harris’ vice presidential pick, has continued attacking Trump and his allies after their landslide loss in November.

Walz’s office has not responded to Musk’s legal threats, and neither he nor MSNBC have issued statements regarding the controversy. Meanwhile, Musk remains the wealthiest person in the world, with Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index estimating his fortune at $428 billion.