Zohran Mamdani, the Indian-origin mayor of New York City, courted controversy on social media after clips from his inaugural event went viral, showing the 34-year-old briefly extending his right arm and waving to the crowd. Some MAGA (Make America Great Again) supporters claimed Mamdani’s gesture appeared to resemble a Nazi salute. Some even compared it with the gesture made by billionaire Elon Musk during an inauguration rally for President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025. 

The New York mayor’s office did not immediately respond to the online claims, but several online users defended Mamdani, dismissing the claims of the Nazi salute as misleading and politically motivated. Internet users noted the movement occurred during a moment of emphasis while Mamdani was addressing the crowd. 

In the now viral clip, a smiling Mamdani seems to be expressing gratitude to the crowd, as he places his right hand on his chest before waving.

An internet user posted Mamdani’s viral clip on X and wrote, “When Elon signals his heart goes out to the crowd, he’s a “NAZI”. When Mamdani does it, it’s perfectly fine.”