Mexican actor and political activist Eduardo Verástegui generated controversy in the international political arena after expressing his support for the movements of Donald Trump and Elon Musk during his participation in the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, D.C. Verástegui, known for his conservative stances and activism on issues such as abortion and immigration, sparked mixed reactions with his statements.
However, what truly ignited the controversy was the gesture he made at the end of his speech by extending his right arm straight, compared to the Nazi salute. This gesture has previously been used by figures like Elon Musk, who has also faced criticism for it in the past, especially during the inauguration of Trump's second term.
Although the Anti-Defamation League of the United States described Musk's gesture as "clumsy," in countries where such greetings are illegal, like Germany, he received severe criticism. The controversy expanded when Steve Bannon, former Trump advisor, replicated the gesture during his speech at CPAC, leading to the cancellation of Jordan Bardella's participation, the leader of the French right, arguing that a speaker had made a salute associated with Nazi ideology.
These incidents have contributed to the polarization within the American conservative movement, which, under Trump's leadership, has been characterized by anti-left rhetoric and nationalism. Verástegui's participation in this political context generated mixed reactions and fueled the debate over uncomfortable similarities with historically connoted greetings.
