Grimes, Elon Musk's ex, has responded to the backlash of his controversial hand gesture, which is going viral. On Monday, the Tesla CEO took the stage in Washington, DC's Capital One Arena, beginning his speech by saying, "Thank you for making it happen. Thank you," followed by slapping his right hand on his chest and extending it in salute.

Musk, arguably Trump’s most influential ally and a confidante, ended his speech at one of Monday’s inaugural celebrations by twice using a one-armed gesture that strongly resembled the Roman salute adopted by the Nazis and used regularly by white nationalist groups.