During their electrifying performance in Johannesburg, South Africa on January 19, Green Day made headlines once again by altering a lyric from their iconic song “American Idiot.” This time, lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong took a pointed jab at tech giant and billionaire Elon Musk, who has become a polarizing figure in global discussions.

Elon Musk, originally hailing from Pretoria, South Africa, became a U.S. citizen in 2002 and is recognized as the world’s wealthiest individual. He is a prominent tech entrepreneur and the head of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, which has sparked various debates about its implications on governance.

While performing the American Idiot title track, Armstrong boldly sang, “I’m not part of an Elon agenda,” showcasing the band’s ongoing commitment to addressing social issues through their music.

Green Day Takes a Stand with “American Idiot” Performance on January 19, 2025

In a notable shift from previous performances, Green Day modified the lyric from “I’m not part of a redneck agenda” to “I’m not part of the MAGA agenda” last year, highlighting their continuous critique of political movements they oppose. The band’s activism is not new; they famously protested Donald Trump’s presidency in 2016 by chanting, “No Trump, no KKK, no fascist U.S.A.” during a performance at the American Music Awards, illustrating their dedication to social justice and political engagement.

In response to these actions, Musk took to social media to mock Green Day, using a term that raised eyebrows: “milquetoastedly,” implying that the band had softened their stance. His comments reflect the ongoing tensions between cultural figures and political discourse in contemporary society.

As of the latest updates, Musk has not yet responded to Green Day’s recent performance, which coincidentally occurred just one day before he made headlines for a highly controversial series of gestures following Donald Trump’s inauguration.

Elon Musk’s Controversial Gestures Spark Outrage

On the day following Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, Musk drew widespread criticism for delivering a speech at a parade that included three contentious arm gestures. These gestures have been criticized for bearing a striking resemblance to the infamous salute used by Nazi party members, raising serious concerns about their implications.

This particular salute, often referred to as the “Roman salute,” is emblematic of fascism and has no documented historical basis in ancient Rome, adding another layer to the controversy surrounding Musk’s actions.

Musk performed this gesture multiple times, including one instance where he turned his back to the crowd, which has intensified scrutiny of his actions, especially in light of his public support for a far-right German political party with a history of Nazi slogans at political events.

In his address, Musk attempted to connect with the audience by saying, “I want to give my heart to you,” while making the straight-arm gesture, which has been interpreted by many as troublingly similar to the Nazi salute. The parallels between his actions and those historically associated with fascism have not gone unnoticed.

The Anti-Defamation League, an organization that Musk threatened to sue in 2023, released a statement regarding the incident, emphasizing the sensitivity of the current political climate:

This is a delicate moment. It?s a new day and yet so many are on edge. Our politics are inflamed, and social media only adds to the anxiety.

It seems that @elonmusk made an awkward gesture in a moment of enthusiasm, not a Nazi salute, but again, we appreciate that people are on edge.

In this moment, all sides should give one another a bit of grace, perhaps even the benefit of the doubt, and take a breath. This is a new beginning. Let?s hope for healing and work toward unity in the months and years ahead.

Contrastingly, historian Claire Aubin, who specializes in the study of Nazism in America, remarked (via Associated Press), “My professional opinion is that you’re all right, you should believe your eyes,” suggesting that Musk’s gestures may indeed be perceived as a Nazi salute.

Musk has downplayed the significance of the backlash, responding to inquiries on social media by stating, “The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired,” which reflects his dismissive attitude towards the criticism he faces.