Elon Musk is to make his first US public speech since the ‘Nazi salute’ row on Donald Trump’s inauguration day.
The erratic tech billionaire is to give a speech to huge MAGA conference CPAC in Washington today – a month on from his appearance at Trump’s inauguration bash, where he was accused of making a far-right gesture from the stage.
Musk denied he’d made a Nazi salute, claiming the gesture meant “my heart goes out to you”. Since then, he’s been made a senior advisor to President Trump – leading the ‘DOGE’ dismantling of the US administrative state and mass firings across US government departments.
Also speaking at the right-wing conference will be former PM Liz Truss, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage – with Trump himself expected to speak later in the weekend.
Opening the conference, US Vice President JD Vance warned Europe they would only keep America’s friendship if they “share” Donald Trump’s values.
“We’re going to have alliances with Europe, but I really do think the strength of those alliances is going to depend on whether we take our societies in the right direction,” he said.
“Germany’s entire defense is subsidised by the American taxpayer. There are thousands upon thousands of American troops in Germany today.
“Do you think the American taxpayer is gonna stand that if you get thrown in jail in Germany from posting a mean tweet? Of course they’re not.
“The point that I try to make to European friends – and I I think there are I believe as I know President Trump does – that friendship is based on shared values.”
He added: “So let’s have sheer value. Let’s defend democracy. let’s have free expression, not just in the United States, but all over the Western world, that is the path to strong alliances.”
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