Tech billionaire Elon Musk caused controversy at the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday with a gesture that appeared similar to a Nazi salute.

Mr Musk, one of Mr Trump’s closest advisers, was among the speakers on stage before Mr Trump arrived at the Capital One Arena in Washington.

Mr Musk thanked supporters, placed his right hand on his heart and quickly extended it upwards.

“My heart goes out to you,” Mr Musk said before repeating the gesture.

Users on Musk’s online platform X noted that the gesture resembled a Nazi salute.

U.S. broadcaster CNN replayed the footage multiple times during its programme, with a presenter stating viewers were smart enough to form their own opinion.

Initially, Mr Musk did not provide an explanation for the action.

However, he shared footage of his remarks and the gesture via X.

Ahead of Mr Trump’s swearing-in, Mr Musk enthused about the “Return of the King,” sharing a screenshot of Mr Trump’s once-banned Twitter account alongside the official presidential profile.

Twitter banned Mr Trump in the wake of the January 6, 2021 riots, before Mr Musk reinstated the account when he purchased the social media platform in 2022.

(dpa/NAN)