Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey found himself at the center of a social media firestorm after making a gesture during a recent speech that some right-wing commentators likened to a Nazi salute. The incident took place at a Democratic convention in California on Saturday night. At the conclusion of his address, Booker placed his hand over his heart and then extended his arm outward with an open palm above shoulder level—a move that immediately drew criticism from conservative pundits and influencers online.
Comparison to Elon Musk Sparks Online Debate
The controversy intensified when users on X (formerly Twitter) began comparing Booker’s gesture to a similar one made by tech billionaire Elon Musk. Musk was previously slammed by some liberal critics for a gesture that appeared similar to historical Nazi salutes. This comparison has led to accusations of double standards among political commentators and media outlets.
“If Elon Musk is a Nazi for doing this gesture… Cory Booker is one too. Sorry, I don’t make the rules,” read one viral post that gained thousands of shares and likes within hours of the event. Another user sarcastically remarked, “Cory Booker did the thing. This is literally the Third Reich all over again. These are the darkest days ever. Democracy is doomed.”
The Gesture: Misinterpretation or Symbolic Expression?
While the gesture in question could be interpreted in multiple ways, some critics argue that the optics of a raised, outstretched arm too closely resemble the infamous Nazi salute to be dismissed. Supporters of Booker, however, claim that the gesture is a common expression of gratitude or solidarity and was clearly not intended to invoke fascist imagery.
A spokesperson for Senator Booker has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the incident. However, allies of the senator dismissed the criticism as a bad-faith effort to stir controversy and distract from substantive political issues. “It’s absurd to think Cory Booker, a man with a long history of fighting hate and bigotry, would ever make a Nazi salute,” said one Democratic strategist.
Right-Wing Commentators Lead the Charge
Among those leading the criticism were popular conservative influencers and pundits with large followings on social media platforms. They used the incident to highlight what they perceive as hypocrisy among liberal commentators, who were quick to condemn Musk but have remained largely silent about Booker’s gesture.
“This is a classic case of selective outrage,” one right-leaning commentator tweeted. “When Elon Musk made the gesture, the left went into a frenzy. But now that it’s one of their own, suddenly it’s no big deal. Why the double standard?”
Some critics also argued that the mainstream media’s lack of coverage on the gesture was evidence of bias. “If a Republican had done this, CNN would have had a breaking news banner on it for 24 hours,” another user posted.
Social Media Reacts: Humor, Outrage, and Irony
As with many political controversies today, the reactions on social media ranged from genuine outrage to dark humor and satire. Memes comparing Booker to authoritarian figures began circulating widely, often accompanied by sarcastic captions mocking the perceived overreaction to Musk’s gesture in contrast to the muted response to Booker’s.
Despite the sarcastic tone of many posts, the underlying sentiment among conservative users remained serious: they believe the political left applies different standards of judgment depending on who is under scrutiny.
A Broader Discussion on Political Optics
This incident raises broader questions about the power of imagery in politics and how easily public figures can find themselves under fire based on how their actions are interpreted. In an age of viral media and 10-second clips, gestures that might be innocent in one context can be weaponized in another.
Political analysts note that while the outrage may fade quickly, the trend of scrutinizing every public move—especially among high-profile figures—shows no sign of slowing down.
“This is a perfect example of how politics has become a game of optics more than substance,” said a political media expert. “It’s not about what you meant to say or do—it’s how it’s perceived and how fast it can be turned into a viral talking point.”
