At this year’s Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), held recently, far-right provocateur Steve Bannon found himself at the center of controversy after allegedly performing what many interpreted as a Nazi salute during his speech. His actions, and the subsequent fallout, have sparked widespread condemnation and brought significant attention to the tensions within the American right.
Jordan Bardella, the French president of the National Rally and rising figure within France's far-right political scene, made the decision to withdraw from the conference entirely following Bannon’s gesture. Bardella cited the "gesture alluding to Nazi ideology" as the reason for his cancellation, emphasizing his disapproval of such provocative behavior at the influential gathering. According to reports, Bardella stated, “Yesterday, … allowed himself [to do] … out of provocation, allowed himself a gesture alluding to Nazi ideology. I … took the immediate decision to cancel my speech.”
During his CPAC address, Bannon had rallied the audience by shouting, “Fight! Fight! Fight!” He then controversially extended his right arm, which critics interpreted as mimicking the infamous Nazi salute. Bannon defended his actions, claiming it was merely “a wave” to thank the crowd for their support, insisting, “I do it at the end of all of my speeches.” This denial, paired with the video footage, has generated fierce debate among commentators and observers, with many asserting the gesture was unmistakably reminiscent of Nazi iconography.
Deborah Dwork, director of the Holocaust studies center at the City University of New York, did not mince words, stating, “Of course it’s a Nazi salute… That’s the message Trump’s circle has been sending for some time.” The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) also condemned Bannon, highlighting his controversial history and warning against the growing normalization of such inflammatory behavior.
Bardella, reflecting on the incident, stated he felt it necessary to take a stand against what could be perceived as even tacit approval of fascism. He expressed concern over how it might affect his political standing back home, as the National Rally aims to make significant gains leading up to the 2027 presidential elections. Bardella remarked on the risks of being associated with anything resembling Nazi ideology, as his party aims to distance itself from extremist elements.
This isn’t the first time Bannon has faced backlash for his actions and words. Historically, he has been known for his caustic remarks and polarizing statements. He has gained notoriety for his radical views, which have prompted detractors to label him as promoting hate and extremism. Following his speech, Bannon retorted to Bardella’s cancellation, calling him “a little girl and coward,” dismissing Bardella's decision as weakness and ensuring the scrutiny on the incident would not fade soon.
He also added during another interview, “If he cancels [his speech] over what the mainstream media said about the speech, he didn’t listen to the speech… He’s not fit to lead.” Bannon’s provocative style continues to cultivate fervor among his supporters, but it raises pivotal questions about the ethics of political representation and the boundaries of acceptable rhetoric among conservative leaders.
During the scholarly discourse around the incident, some have drawn parallels between Bannon’s actions and other high-profile gestures perceived as Nazi-like, including Elon Musk’s controversial movements at previous events. Musk’s appearance drew criticism as he raised his arm—an action some argued resembled Bannon’s. This correlation has fueled discussions about the symbolism and seriousness of such gestures, particularly among powerful public figures.
The collective backlash to Bannon’s behavior has underscored the growing scrutiny on right-wing extremists and their attempts to mainstream certain ideologies using irony and provocative behavior. Critics worry these actions could normalize fascist symbolism and ideas, creating avenues for extremist groups to gain more visibility within mainstream political discourse.
For now, CPAC 2025 stands as a pivotal point for many on the right as political actors like Bardella and Bannon grapple with the growing skepticism and scrutiny surrounding their associations and actions. The event draws international attention from both supporters and adversaries eager to dissect the future of right-wing politics.
CPAC's significance is not just limited to the United States; as it increasingly branches out to engage international populism, the dynamics of this gathering could influence worldwide perceptions and strategies among right-wing entities across the globe. The intersection of Bannon’s actions and Bardella’s decision to withdraw could resonate well beyond the immediate controversy, possibly redefining how the far-right navigates public engagement.
With upcoming elections and shifting political landscapes, figures within the right will have to reckon with the images they project and the ideologies they embrace, especially as they relate to the increasingly charged historical symbols they evoke. How this impacts their strategies and relationships, both domestically and internationally, will undoubtedly remain a focal point for observers of global politics.