Steve Bannon’s Nazi Salute Claim Rocks CPAC, Fuels Outrage

OXON HILL, Md. — Steve Bannon, a prominent ally of President Donald Trump, ignited a firestorm at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Feb. 20, 2025, after critics accused him of flashing a Nazi salute during his speech, a claim he dismissed as a simple wave. The incident, captured on video, has drawn sharp rebukes online and prompted French far-right leader Jordan Bardella to cancel his scheduled appearance at the event, held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.

Bannon, 71, concluded his address to the CPAC crowd with a gesture—a quick, stiff-armed motion to the side—that many on social media likened to the Sieg Heil salute used by Nazi Germany. The Anti-Defamation League swiftly condemned it, stating on X, ‘Steve Bannon’s long and disturbing history of stoking antisemitism and hate is well documented.’ Bannon countered Friday, telling AP News, ‘It was just a wave,’ and accused critics of misrepresenting his actions.

The controversy comes weeks after Bannon pleaded guilty on Feb. 11, 2025, to a felony fraud charge in New York tied to the ‘We Build the Wall’ fundraiser, which misled donors who gave over $15 million to support Trump’s border wall. Under a plea deal, he avoided jail time, receiving a three-year conditional discharge barring him from leading New York charities. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said the resolution aimed to ‘protect New Yorkers’ charitable giving from fraud.’

At CPAC, Bannon’s speech focused on Trump’s populist agenda, praising the president’s recent electoral win and railing against bipartisanship. His gesture followed remarks likening Trump to historical figures who appear ‘twice in history,’ according to The Independent. Attendees gave mixed reactions: some cheered, while others, like Virginia delegate Sarah Miles, 45, told reporters, ‘It looked bad, intentional or not.’

The incident has amplified scrutiny of Bannon’s influence within Trump’s orbit. Recently released from a four-month prison stint for contempt of Congress in October 2024, he has resumed his ‘War Room’ podcast, wielding significant sway over MAGA supporters. Political strategist Caroline Wren told CNN, ‘He’s the most powerful person in the movement,’ citing his ability to mobilize grassroots action.

Federal and state officials have taken no formal action on the CPAC gesture as of Feb. 21, 2025, but the backlash has reverberated globally. Bardella, head of France’s National Rally, withdrew from CPAC, with French media citing Bannon’s ‘Nazi gesture’ as the reason. Meanwhile, Trump, set to speak at CPAC Saturday, has not commented on the incident, leaving Bannon’s defenders and detractors to clash online.

Bannon’s legal troubles and provocative rhetoric continue to polarize. In a February interview with UnHerd, he called Elon Musk a ‘parasitic illegal immigrant,’ signaling tensions among Trump’s advisers. For now, the CPAC episode has cast a shadow over the conference, with organizers declining to address Bannon’s actions directly.