From Chainsaws to Questionable Salutes, Here Are 8 of Elon Musk's Most Controversial Moments in Washington

As Musk steps back from his government role, we look back at the unforgettable, and often controversial, moments that made his time in Washington stand out.

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Admin | May 08, 2025

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Billionaire Elon Musk began a diminished role in the Trump administration this week after announcing in April he would largely be stepping back from his job as head of the Department of Government Efficiency.

Musk assumed the controversial role in January. What followed was a hectic and chaotic attempt at accessing government buildings, furloughing federal employees and freezing funds. While some applauded Musk’s unconventional approach to cost-cutting, others balked at the approach and access the unelected and unconfirmed Musk had within the federal government.

Musk’s time at DOGE corresponded with a rough first quarter for Tesla, his electric vehicle company. The company reported a 71% drop in profits and a 9% decline in revenue for the first quarter. The loss – along with worries among Trump’s team that Musk was becoming a political liability – may have prompted his return to the car manufacturer.

Here’s a look at the most buzzworthy Musk moments from his time as Trump’s right-hand man:

The Salute Seen ‘Round the WorldTesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk gestures as he speaks during the inaugural parade, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

At Trump’s inauguration rally, Elon Musk made a gesture that resembled a Nazi-style salute, sparking widespread backlash. The motion, in which Musk extended his arm forward with his palm down, drew comparisons to fascist imagery. Jewish leaders condemned the act, with 166 signing a letter warning it could embolden extremists. The controversy also drew international criticism, including from Germany. Musk dismissed the concerns, claiming they were all politically motivated.

“Frankly, they need better dirty tricks,” Musk posted on social media. “The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired 😴”