Redditors, Subreddits Ban X Links After Musk's 'Nazi' Salute and Reddit Isn't Against It

Elon Musk Nazi Salute

A growing number of subreddits and Reddit users are now blocking links from X (formerly Twitter), following a controversial incident involving Elon Musk. The incident occurred during President Donald J. Trump's inauguration rally, where Musk was seen performing a gesture that many have described as a "Nazi" salute.

The controversy intensified when Musk not only performed the gesture once but twice, sharing it with the crowd behind him. The incident has sparked significant backlash online, particularly among users of the social news aggregator Reddit.

Subreddits Enforce Ban on X Links in Protest

According to a recent report from 404 Media (via ArsTechnica), the boycott of X has spread across Reddit, with several communities enacting a ban on sharing X links. While this boycott is indirect, it reflects growing opposition to Musk's actions.

The ban began with sports-related subreddits, including dedicated communities for Liverpool FC, the NFL, and the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL. These communities have since been joined by other subreddits considering similar actions. Despite not directly banning X itself, Redditors are showing solidarity in their protest against Musk and his recent behavior.

Musk's 'Nazi' Salute Sparks Controversy

The controversy surrounding Musk stems from a gesture he made at the rally, where he thanked supporters of President Trump. As he addressed the crowd, Musk was seen leaping onto the stage, placing his hand on his chest and extending his arm, with fingers fully outstretched. Many have described this gesture as the "Nazi heil" salute, historically associated with the Third Reich during World War II.

Musk's supporters, however, have defended the gesture, claiming it was a "Roman salute," a gesture that predates the Nazi regime. Critics argue that the Roman salute became controversial after its adoption by the Nazis in the 20th century.

Elon Musk's History of Controversy and Nazi Allegations

This is not the first time Musk has faced accusations of promoting Nazi or neo-Nazi ideologies. Throughout 2023 and 2024, the CEO's statements on X, including antisemitic remarks, triggered widespread outrage, leading to boycotts by advertisers and users alike. Musk's approach to free speech on the platform has been a focal point for criticism, with some accusing him of fostering extremism by allowing hate speech under the guise of supporting open dialogue.

In response to these controversies, Musk has attempted to mitigate backlash, boasting that X has seen fewer antisemitic posts compared to other far-right ideologies online. However, following his recent actions, Musk is again at the center of a neo-Nazi controversy, with Reddit users leading the charge in protesting his actions by blocking links to X from being shared on the platform.