Musk Defended by ADL as AOC Faces Sharp Social Media Criticism [WATCH]

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is facing significant backlash after she accused the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) of defending what she claimed was a “Heil Hitler salute” performed by Elon Musk.

Conservatives and even some moderates on social media didn’t hold back, slamming AOC for what many called “jewsplaining” to a prominent Jewish civil rights group, as reported by The New York Post.

The controversy began after Musk made a one-armed gesture during a moment of gratitude toward Trump supporters.

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Progressives quickly pounced, suggesting Musk’s action mimicked a Nazi salute. The ADL stepped in to clarify, saying the gesture appeared to be “an awkward moment of enthusiasm,” not a fascist symbol.

This is a delicate moment. It’s a new day and yet so many are on edge. Our politics are inflamed, and social media only adds to the anxiety.

It seems that @elonmusk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute, but again, we appreciate that people are on…

— ADL (@ADL) January 20, 2025

My talk today at the Presidential Parade
pic.twitter.com/qCAxYQb7LN

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 21, 2025

That didn’t sit well with AOC, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to lambaste the organization.

“Just to be clear, you are defending a Heil Hitler salute that was performed and repeated for emphasis and clarity,” she wrote.

Accusing the ADL of political bias, she added, “You work for them. Thank you for making that crystal clear to all.”

Just to be clear, you are defending a Heil Hitler salute that was performed and repeated for emphasis and clarity.

People can officially stop listening to you as any sort of reputable source of information now. You work for them. Thank you for making that crystal clear to all. https://t.co/0gLdMCU3UV

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 21, 2025

Social media erupted, with many users criticizing Ocasio-Cortez for her incendiary remarks. “We now have AOC jewsplaining to the ADL,” one commenter noted sarcastically.

We now have AOC jewsplaining to the ADL.

Incredible things happening on X. pic.twitter.com/UtcFM9bash

— 𝗡𝗶𝗼𝗵 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗴 ♛ ✡︎ (@NiohBerg) January 21, 2025

Another quipped, “AOC trying to Jewsplain to the ADL why they are antisemitic. She’s officially lost her mind.”

BREAKING NEWS@AOC trying to Jewsplain to the ADL why they are antisemitic🤭😂😂😂😂😂😂

She’s officially lost her mind pic.twitter.com/ZH1cYq99cs

— Ivy ✡️📟🇮🇱 (@dramamommafree) January 21, 2025

Critics also pointed to Ocasio-Cortez’s history of controversial statements about Israel, including past accusations of genocide against the Palestinian people.

“If, like ADL, you fight antisemitism every day, I’m ready to respectfully hear your opinion on what Elon Musk intended. THAT’S NOT WHAT AOC IS DOING. This is a cynical political game for her.”

If, like @ADL, you fight antisemitism every day, I’m ready to respectfully hear your opinion on what Elon Musk intended.

THAT’S NOT WHAT @AOC IS DOING. This is a cynical political game for her. She supports antisemites. She’s scoring cheap points against the ADL because they…

— Sia Kordestani (@SiaKordestani) January 21, 2025

Others expressed outrage that AOC would challenge one of the most established Jewish civil rights organizations in the country simply because their stance didn’t align with her narrative.

“The ADL gave a sound statement, and AOC went for its neck because it didn’t fit her agenda. She needs to take a good look in the mirror if she wants to find the source of this kind of divisiveness,” another commentator argued.

The ADL gave a good sound statement and AOC just went for its neck because it didn’t align with her politics.
The U.S. political debate is already off the rails and it’s not even day one.

If AOC wants to blame someone for encouraging antisemitism she should look at the mirror https://t.co/vhPAYH7KpQ

— Nadav Pollak (@NadavPollak) January 21, 2025

Meanwhile, Musk himself dismissed the accusations, calling the Nazi salute claims absurd.

“The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired,” he wrote on X. Musk later thanked the ADL for defending him, responding with a casual “Thanks, guys,” and a laughing emoji.

Frankly, they need better dirty tricks.

The “everyone is Hitler” attack is sooo tired 😴 https://t.co/9fIqS5mWA0

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 21, 2025

The legacy media is pure propaganda.

You are the media now. https://t.co/lgkIbzcAZP

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 21, 2025

This fiery exchange highlights the growing divide between progressives and more traditional advocacy groups, with AOC’s remarks stirring controversy even among those who might typically support her.