An image of Elon Musk making a controversial salute during a speech on Monday was projected onto Tesla‘s Gigafactory in Berlin. The display featured Musk’s gesture alongside the words “Heil Tesla.”

Newsweek reached out to Tesla’s communications team for comment on Wednesday.

Why It Matters

Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and a close ally of President Donald Trump, has faced widespread accusations of making a Nazi gesture twice during a speech to a crowd of Trump supporters gathered at Washington’s Capital One Arena for an indoor “Presidential Parade” on Monday, shortly after Trump’s second inauguration.

While his intention remained unclear, Musk’s straight-arm gesture during the speech quickly made headlines worldwide.

“I just want to say thank you for making it happen,” Musk said during his remarks, referring to Trump’s victory in the presidential election. He then slapped his hand on his chest and extended his arm straight out and upward with his palm facing downward.

“My heart goes out to you,” he added, turning to make a similar gesture in the opposite direction.

Musk dismissed the controversy, urging people not to overanalyze his actions.

What To Know

An image of Elon Musk making the controversial salute was projected onto Tesla’s Gigafactory in Berlin, accompanied by the words “Heil Tesla.”