More than 100 Reddit communities have banned users from posting links to X in protest of Elon Musk’s controversial arm gesture at a rally celebrating Donald Trump’s return to office. This decision follows critics’ accusations that Musk’s gesture resembled a Nazi salute, which he has dismissed as “tired” and “dirty tricks.”
- Over 100 Reddit communities ban X links.
- Elon Musk's gesture sparked controversy and criticism.
- Subreddits are moderated by unpaid volunteers.
- Major sports subreddits participate in the ban.
- Some communities refuse to implement bans.
- Past protests on Reddit have been temporary.
The controversy began after Musk extended his arm while thanking supporters at a rally on January 20, 2025. Critics quickly labeled the gesture as reminiscent of a Nazi salute, prompting backlash across various online platforms. In response, numerous subreddit moderators decided to prohibit any posts linking to X, aiming to express their dissent against Musk’s actions.
Key statistics regarding the bans include:
- At least 100 subreddits have enforced the ban.
- More than 60 of these subreddits contain over 100,000 members.
- Major communities affected include r/NBA (15 million members), r/TwoXChromosomes (14 million), and r/NFL (12 million).
This movement is not limited to sports; it spans various interests including gaming and other entertainment topics. Communities discussing everything from video games like Baldur’s Gate 3 to shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race have joined in. While many subreddits support the ban, some have opted out due to differing views on censorship or official accounts maintaining presence on X.
The impact of these bans could be significant for traffic directed towards X, especially since many sports-related posts often link back to content shared on this platform. However, history shows that such community-led protests can vary in permanence and effectiveness. Previous movements on Reddit demonstrate that while initial responses may be strong, they can dissipate over time as user sentiment shifts.
This situation highlights the intersection of social media dynamics and public sentiment toward influential figures like Elon Musk. As more communities decide whether or not to join the ban against linking to X, it remains unclear how this will shape future interactions within these online spaces.
