Eduardo Verástegui, the Mexican actor and right-wing activist, sparked outrage after performing what many interpreted as a Nazi salute during his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held on February 21, 2025, at National Harbor, Maryland. The event has become notorious for harboring extreme right-wing sentiments, and Verástegui's actions were particularly alarming following similar gestures made by prominent figures like Steve Bannon and Elon Musk.
Verástegui's controversial gesture culminated as he expressed his solidarity with the political movements of Donald Trump and Elon Musk, stating, “My heart goes with all of you!” Before extending his arm with his palm facing down, he had touched his chest, which many observers likened to the infamous salutes used by the Nazi regime. This action ignited vehement criticism across social media and political circles, with commentators and organizations decrying the normalization of such gestures among extremists.
Prior to Verástegui’s appearance, Steve Bannon, former advisor to Donald Trump, had also elicited controversy with his own similar salute during the conference. Ending his speech with the remark, “Fight! Fight! Fight!” and extending his arm, Bannon faced backlash from multiple groups, including the Anti-Defamation League, which condemned his actions and warned of the rising tides of antisemitism associated with such gestures.
News of Bannon’s gesture prompted Jordan Bardella, the leader of France's far-right National Rally, to cancel his scheduled speech at CPAC, calling Bannon’s actions provocative and a reference to Nazi ideology. Bannon’s dismissive response to Bardella’s cancellation highlighted the growing friction within extreme right circles, as he stated, “If he canceled due to what the media said, he is unworthy to lead France.”
Adding fuel to the fire, Elon Musk was recalled for making gestures deemed similar during Trump's inauguration, which had also received condemnation. Musk's flippant remarks on social media after the incident only served to undermine the severity of the actions of Bannon and Verástegui, demonstrating how deeply such symbols are becoming entrenched within the current political climate.
Verástegui's remarks at CPAC did not solely revolve around his controversial salute. He also directed heavy criticism toward the administration of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, asserting, "Right now, we have a socialist government in Mexico. Mexico is becoming like Venezuela, Cuba, or Nicaragua. If we do not react soon, tomorrow will be too late." He framed his narrative as part of a broader ideological battle—a narrative he declared to be against moral degradation, attributed to communism, Marxism, and global elitism.
The CPAC, which has increasingly become synonymous with far-right extremism, has witnessed heightened scrutiny of the rhetoric and symbols endorsed by its speakers. The events surrounding Verástegui and Bannon serve as stark reminders of how such figures exploit these platforms to reinforce extremist ideologies.
Reactions to Verástegui’s actions have echoed beyond the borders of the United States. Observers worldwide have expressed concern over the ramifications of normalizing fascist gestures at political events. Banning and Verástegui, unwitting symbols of this worrying trend, stand at the crossroads of conservatism and extremism, with their statements reverberate through the channels of modern conservative politics.
Eduardo Verástegui’s attempt to align himself with the upsurge of right-wing populism is indicative of the struggles conservative movements face globally as they seek to solidify their identities without compromising moral standards. His actions at CPAC have not only drawn ire but have illuminated the breadth of rhetoric and symbolism advocated by members within these circles.
This growing concern about the acceptance of Nazi-like gestures implicates something larger—a consistent theme of political displacement and the struggles faced by traditional conservatism when confronted with the tides of extremism. The real question lies not just within these moments but how they will influence the political climates of their respective countries moving forward.
Verástegui, having previously sought the presidency of Mexico and recently announcing plans for building his political party, capitalizes on such gestures’ shock value to amplify his messaging within ultranationalist sentiments. Whether this strategy bears fruit remains uncertain, but the underlying culture of acceptance and mimicry of extremist gestures certainly raises eyebrows and beckons scrutiny from both political opponents and global observers. Verástegui’s controversial salute stands as both emblematic and unique—an example of how political narratives are becoming intertwined with dangerously symbolic actions.