Another apparent Nazi salute at CPAC

During the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in February 2025, controversial Mexican actor Eduardo Verástegui sparked controversy by making a gesture perceived as a Nazi salute.

This gesture brings the number of apparent Nazi salutes observed during this single event to two, and to three recent ones, including of course the original by Elon Musk, which seemed to break the timidity of his peers.

Verástegui during his speech expressed his support for Donald Trump and announced the creation of a new political party in Mexico to «liberate the country from socialism, communism, radical leftism, woke ideology, and corrupt globalists».

The actor Eduardo Verástegui sparked controversy by concluding his speech with a gesture perceived as a Nazi salute.

After touching his chest and declaring, «my heart is with you all», he raised his right arm, hand extended, reminiscent of the fascist gesture.

During the Conservative Political Action Conference, Steve Bannon was also accused of performing a Nazi salute by raising his right arm, palm open, at the conclusion of his speech. This gesture sparked a heated controversy, prompting French leader Jordan Bardella to cancel his planned appearance in protest. 

During Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, Elon Musk sparked controversy by apparently performing a Nazi salute that generated a significant reaction.

After touching his chest, he raised his right arm, hand extended, reminiscent of the fascist gesture. This gesture had previously been observed later among other close associates of Donald Trump, such as Bannon and Verástegui.

Despite explicit images of the event, Musk denied any malicious intent, claiming that his gesture simply represented his support for Trump supporters.

Verástegui, actor of the film Sound of Freedom, hailed by QAnon and conservative Christian circles, appears obsessed with the practices of Trump and Musk and wants to reproduce the whole thing in Mexico, apparently.

Despite these multiple Nazi salutes, a total indifference seems to prevail within the Republican Party, Trump, and the majority of mainstream media, suggesting that such gestures could be repeated in the future.