The Roman salute is conditionally allowed in Italy and outright banned in Germany. German chancellor Olaf Scholz responded to Musk's gesture by saying, "We have the freedom of speech in Europe and in Germany," he said, "what we do not accept is if this is supporting extreme right positions."

Musk, who has faced scrutiny for his extremist beliefs, has suggested angry reactions to the gesture are part of a Democratic-led hoax.