On January 21 Elon Musk performed a Nazi salute as a speaker on stage before Trump’s arrival on Washington’s Capital One arena. He made the Nazi salute with gusto and then turned around and repeated the gesture in the other direction.

Is there better way for a preliminary speaker at a MAGA rally to prepare the crowd for the racist-in-chief than to perform a Hitler salute? I do not think so, considering the Capital One arena erupted in cheers and jubilation when Musk made the execrable motion.

The MAGA loyalists defended Musk explaining that he’s autistic and prone to making awkward movements. If Musk makes the Nazi sign again while goosestepping will Trump’s supporters once again blame it on his autism?

Musk’s recent appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast made it clear that he knew exactly what he was doing when he made the Nazi salute. He told Rogan that his gesture, described by many as a Nazi salute, was “meant in the most positive spirit possible.” Musk incredulously claimed that he did not see the backlash coming, despite performing the vile gesture twice in Washington DC on Inauguration Day.

There is no way that a Nazi salute can ever be made in a positive spirt, and those of us who want to save our democracy from Trump, Musk and their minions must double down on calling out their racism.

It’s late 1930’s Germany again, and the Nazi salute is a harbinger of atrocities yet to come.

Wake up America!