People Are Deleting Their X Accounts After Elon Musk’s Controversial Gesture at Inauguration
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In recent events, a significant number of users are parting ways with X, previously known as Twitter. This mass exodus follows an unsettling gesture made by Elon Musk during Donald Trump’s inauguration.
On January 20, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. During the festivities, Elon Musk, the well-known CEO of X, delivered a contentious speech.
Musk, now leading the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) in Trump’s administration, took control of X in April 2022. Since his takeover, he has instigated several controversial changes, including the contentious shift from legacy blue verification ticks to a paid subscription model costing nearly $100 or £81 annually.
Despite these controversial actions, a dedicated user base stayed faithful. Yet, the recent inauguration incident has triggered many to permanently disconnect from the platform.
One disheartened user voiced their decision, “I’m leaving Twitter as long as Elon Musk remains at the helm. I refuse to be part of this app’s growth and operations. You’ll find me on BlueSky instead.”
Another user declared their departure alongside Musk’s speech video, stating, “And with that, I’m leaving Twitter. I plan to lock all my accounts by midnight. I’ll continue streaming, but on different platforms. Farewell, for now!”
In a straightforward statement, a third individual commented, “That’s the final straw for me. I’m leaving Twitter.”
Moreover, someone harshly added, “Elon Musk is a joke. Leaving Twitter for good, bye.”
Even businesses are distancing themselves, like Northern Monk, a UK-based brewery, which has publicly announced their exit from X.
The company explained, “As an organization, we are alarmed by certain discussions on this platform (X). Unity and inclusivity are key to our mission and values. Thus, following this announcement, we’re ceasing our activity on X.”
BREAKING: Elon Musk does Hitler salute at Trump celebration. pic.twitter.com/tY7diGC1DH
— Democratic Wins Media (@DemocraticWins) January 20, 2025
However, amid the backlash, some users defend Musk, seeing the gesture as a strategic move to drive more traffic to X.
One supporter speculated, “Musk might have staged it to amplify engagement on X.”
The uproar was ignited by Musk’s inauguration gesture, where he put his right hand over his heart and thrust it forward, reminiscent to a salute that has historic connotations.
The gesture drew comparisons to a Nazi salute, infamous in Italy before it became synonymous with the Nazi regime in Germany.
In light of the criticism, Musk took to X, remarking, “Honestly, they need better smear tactics. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ angle is truly worn out.”
