The internet erupted on May 4, 2025, when Elon Musk delivered a succinct nine-word response to late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, following a scathing monologue that mocked Musk for a controversial moment involving a Nazi salute and Tesla’s recent troubles. During his show, Kimmel had ridiculed Musk, joking, “Elon’s Tesla salute looks like he’s auditioning for a history reenactment—maybe he’s just practicing for the next Tesla recall!” The jab referenced a viral video from earlier that week, where Musk was seen raising his arm in what some interpreted as a Nazi salute while inspecting a Tesla factory in Germany. Musk’s reply, posted on X, was direct: “It’s ridiculous that you think I’d salute like that.” The exchange has sparked a firestorm of reactions, leaving fans and critics stunned.

The controversy began on May 1, when a video surfaced showing Musk at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Grünheide, Germany. In the clip, he appeared to raise his arm while gesturing to workers, an action some online commentators quickly labeled as resembling a Nazi salute—a highly sensitive symbol in Germany due to the country’s history. The footage spread rapidly on X, with #MuskSalute trending as users debated whether the gesture was intentional or a misunderstanding. Tesla was already under scrutiny after a recall of 50,000 vehicles due to battery defects, adding fuel to the public relations fire. Kimmel, known for his sharp humor, seized the moment on his show, blending the salute controversy with Tesla’s woes to deliver a biting critique.

Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, is no stranger to controversy, often using X to clap back at critics. His nine-word response to Kimmel was met with a mix of support and skepticism. On X, some fans rallied behind him, with one user writing, “Elon’s right—Kimmel’s blowing this out of proportion!” Others, however, felt Musk’s reply dodged accountability, as one critic posted, “Nine words, zero apology—typical Musk deflection.” The exchange has reignited discussions about Musk’s public behavior, especially in light of Tesla’s recent challenges, including production delays and a dip in stock value after the recall.

Tesla issued a statement clarifying that Musk’s gesture was meant to acknowledge workers and had been misinterpreted, emphasizing his focus on improving factory conditions. However, the damage was done, with German authorities reportedly investigating the incident due to strict laws against Nazi symbolism. Kimmel’s monologue didn’t hold back, as he quipped, “Elon’s salute might be the only thing Tesla’s recalling properly!” The audience roared with laughter, but the humor clearly struck a nerve with Musk, prompting his swift retort.

The feud has drawn attention to Musk’s often polarizing relationship with the media. Known for his bluntness, Musk has previously clashed with figures like Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart over various issues, from labor practices to his political stances. Kimmel, meanwhile, has a history of targeting high-profile figures, often using his platform to highlight what he sees as hypocrisy. This latest spat has amplified their rivalry, with some speculating it could lead to a more extended public feud. On X, a user predicted, “Kimmel’s not done—Musk better brace for round two.”