The Roman salute is conditionally allowed in Italy and outright banned in Germany. German chancellor Olaf Scholz responded to Musk's gesture by saying, "We have the freedom of speech in Europe and in Germany," he said, "what we do not accept is if this is supporting extreme right positions."

In a speech at President Donald Trump’s inaugural rally, Musk raised his right arm in the air twice in a row in a gesture some compared to a Nazi salute.

DOGE builds on the United States Digital Service, now rebranded as the U.S. DOGE Service. According to Trump's executive order, the newly rebranded department will cut red tape and streamline government IT systems. Per the EO, DOGE has roughly 18 months (July 4, 2026) to achieve the administration's goal.

Musk made the gestures during a giddy speech celebrating Trump's return to power at a rally Monday at Capital One Arena in Washington.