Steve Bannon’s Alleged ‘Nazi Salute’ at CPAC Sparks Controversy
At the recent Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland, former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon concluded his speech with a gesture that has ignited significant debate. Bannon extended his right arm with a flat palm after urging the audience to “Fight! Fight! Fight!”—a motion many interpreted as a Nazi salute. Bannon, however, refuted these claims, stating the gesture was merely “a wave like I did all the time” to thank the crowd.
The incident prompted immediate reactions. French far-right leader Jordan Bardella, president of the National Rally (RN) party, canceled his scheduled CPAC speech, citing the gesture as a provocation alluding to Nazi ideology. Bannon responded by criticizing Bardella’s decision, questioning his leadership capabilities.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) also weighed in, expressing concern over the normalization of such behavior. They highlighted Bannon’s history of stoking antisemitism and hate, emphasizing the troubling nature of the gesture.
This controversy arises amidst a series of similar incidents. Tech billionaire Elon Musk faced criticism for a comparable gesture during President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, which some interpreted as a Nazi salute. Musk dismissed these allegations, and the ADL concluded that his action was an awkward gesture made in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute.
The CPAC event has increasingly become a platform for Trump-centric rhetoric, attracting figures like Bannon and Musk. Bannon’s speech, following Musk’s appearance, underscored this focus, with Bannon rallying the crowd to continue fighting for their cause.
As debates over the interpretation of such gestures continue, the incident highlights the sensitivities surrounding public figures’ actions and the broader implications for political discourse.
Source : Swifteradio.com
