Conservatives cry media bias after Mamdani escapes Musk-level backlash over on-stage gesture

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Conservatives accused major media outlets of a double standard after New York City’s newly sworn-in mayor, Zohran Mamdani, made an on-stage arm gesture that critics compared to a move Elon Musk faced intense backlash for last year.

Mamdani was seen lifting his hand from his heart and extending it toward the crowd at the end of his public inauguration speech on Thursday, January 1. Conservative commentators quickly circulated clips of the moment online, arguing the gesture appeared similar to one Musk was widely criticized for in 2025, when some outlets and commentators accused the billionaire of making a Nazi-style salute at a political event.

Conservative backlash over alleged media bias

Conservatives and right-leaning commentators flooded social media accusing mainstream outlets of applying a double standard after Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration gesture drew little to no coverage.

The popular conservative X account Libs of TikTok posted screenshots of headlines from outlets such as The Guardian and Vox, which had previously reported on accusations that Elon Musk made a Nazi-style salute at a political event last year. The account claimed that Mamdani made an “identical” gesture at his swearing-in without receiving similar scrutiny.

“Not a single one of these legacy media outlets reported on Mamdani’s identical hand gesture which they called @elonmusk a Nazi for,” the account wrote, suggesting selective outrage based on political alignment. 

Former liberal activist Brandon Straka echoed the criticism, writing that Mamdani “did the same exact gesture” that Musk was condemned for when he made a similar motion, arguing that the reaction revealed ideological inconsistency. 

Conservative commentator Eric Daugherty also weighed in, claiming the media remained silent when Mamdani made the gesture while labeling Musk a Nazi for the same action. He accused news organizations of shielding politicians aligned with the left. 

Libs of TikTok later mocked cable news networks in a separate post, sarcastically suggesting that CNN and MSNBC would rush to cover the moment if Mamdani were treated the same way Musk had been.

Another conservative user argued that when Musk signaled that his “heart goes out to the crowd,” he was branded a Nazi, while Mamdani’s gesture was framed as harmless. The post accused the left of weaponizing the gesture for political gain rather than addressing it consistently. 

The Media Research Center also criticized what it described as uneven coverage, posting that Mamdani’s gesture was met with praise while Musk’s similar action prompted immediate condemnation from left-leaning media outlets.

Comparisons to Elon Musk reignite online debate

Musk faced widespread criticism last year after footage showed him extending his arm during a political event. While Musk denied any extremist intent, the moment was repeatedly analyzed by media outlets and commentators, with some labeling it a Nazi-style salute.

Conservatives now argue that Mamdani’s inauguration moment highlights inconsistent standards in political coverage, especially when figures associated with the left are involved.

Several posts framed the issue not as the gesture itself but as what they described as selective framing by journalists and editors.

“They are not ideologically consistent,” one user wrote, claiming the outrage directed at Musk was politically motivated rather than principled

Zohran Mamdani’s swearing-in draws attention beyond ceremony

Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, officially took office on Thursday following a private oath at the decommissioned City Hall subway station and a public swearing-in ceremony outside City Hall.

During his speech, Mamdani reiterated his political identity and governing philosophy.

“I was elected as a Democratic socialist, and I will govern as a Democratic socialist,” he said, acknowledging that his agenda would be ambitious and unapologetic.

He added that his administration would not shy away from using government power to improve residents’ lives, stating, “Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously.”

While supporters praised the tone and message of Mamdani’s remarks, conservatives said the controversy surrounding his gesture underscored what they view as an ongoing media credibility problem rather than a single isolated incident

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