Steve Bannon, former chief strategist for Donald Trump, is at the center of controversy following his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Thursday. Near the conclusion of his remarks, Bannon raised his right arm while chanting “fight, fight, fight,” prompting accusations that he made a Nazi salute.
The incident has sparked debate across political and media circles, with some arguing that Bannon was mimicking a similar gesture made by billionaire Elon Musk at a previous event, while others insist the move was intentional.
A Gesture Under Scrutiny
During his speech at the annual conservative gathering in Maryland, Bannon reiterated his calls for Trump to seek a third presidential term, despite constitutional limitations.
He also declared that the only way conservatives could lose was by surrendering, leading into the moment that ignited the controversy.
As reported by Newsweek, Bannon’s arm movement quickly drew criticism, with several commentators labeling it a Nazi salute.
Political commentator Brian Krassenstein posted on Twitter (less commonly known as X), “Steve Bannon does a NAZI salute at the end of his CPAC speech. Someone try and convince me that he didn’t.”
Similarly, Joshua Reed Eakle, president of Project Liberal, stated, “Nazism has officially taken over the GOP.”
Comparisons to Elon Musk’s Controversy
The backlash against Bannon follows a similar incident involving Elon Musk at a January event celebrating Trump’s inauguration.
Musk was also accused of making a Nazi salute, though he denied the allegations, claiming the gesture was a “heart goes out to you” motion.
His defenders argued that it was a Roman salute, a gesture believed to have origins in ancient Rome, though historians - or anyone who has read a history book, really - has swiftly shut down any glimmer of its historical authenticity.
Some right-wing figures have responded by sharing images of former Democratic leaders, such as Barack Obama and Kamala Harris, raising their arms during speeches, arguing that similar gestures have been unfairly scrutinized when made by conservative figures.
What’s Next for Bannon and the Republican Party?
Bannon has yet to respond to the allegations. The controversy adds to his already polarizing reputation, as he continues to advocate for Trump’s re-election and push far-right political messaging.
Meanwhile, Trump is scheduled to speak at CPAC on Saturday, a moment that could further amplify tensions surrounding the event.
With political divisions at an all-time high, the debate over Bannon’s gesture underscores the broader battle over symbolism, rhetoric, and the future of conservative politics in America.
Bannon’s gesture, whether intentional or not, is the latest in a disturbing pattern of far-right figures normalizing rhetoric and imagery long associated with fascism.
The enthusiastic reception of his speech at CPAC—coupled with Musk’s similar actions—suggests that what was once considered extremist ideology is increasingly being embraced, or at the very least tolerated, within mainstream conservative circles.
As Trump prepares to take the stage at CPAC, the Republican Party continues to drift further into dangerous territory, where fascist symbolism is excused, rebranded, and integrated into the fabric of American right-wing politics.
What was once a dark chapter in history may now be resurfacing under the guise of patriotism, leaving many to question just how far this movement will go before it is no longer ignored.
