A Republican politician in Pennsylvania has resigned from her position following a controversial TikTok video in which she appeared to mimic Elon Musk’s alleged Nazi-like salute. Laura Smith, who served as the Vice Chair of the Towamencin Township Board of Supervisors, stepped down on Sunday, January 26, 2025, amid growing backlash over her actions.

In the now-deleted TikTok video, Smith was seen Tapping her chest three times, Extending her arm outward in a manner reminiscent of Musk’s gesture, and saying. “Just checking in on my friends who are struggling this week. My heart goes out to you. Hope you’re doing OK.”
The video quickly went viral, drawing criticism from both local officials and the wider community.
The controversy stems from an incident involving Elon Musk at President Donald Trump’s inauguration event earlier in January 2025. Musk, who currently serves as the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, owner of X (formerly Twitter), and Administrator of the Department of Government Efficiency, made a gesture that many interpreted as resembling a Nazi salute. While the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) initially suggested that Musk’s gesture was likely “awkward” rather than intentionally offensive, the incident sparked widespread debate and criticism. Musk further fueled the controversy by posting Nazi-related puns on X and making controversial statements at a campaign event for Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party.
Following the backlash, Smith removed the video from her social media accounts, claimed that the video had been “greatly mischaracterized,” resigned from her position on the Towamencin Township Board of Supervisors, and stepped down from her roles on the boards of Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library and the nonprofit organization Knights for Life.
In her resignation statement, Smith emphasized her opposition to racism, anti-Semitism, and all forms of discrimination. However, local officials and community members expressed their disappointment and condemnation of her actions.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and sensitivities surrounding political gestures and their potential interpretations. It also underscores the power of social media in amplifying controversial actions and the swift consequences that can follow for public officials. The timing of the controversy is particularly significant, as it occurred just days before International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, 2025. This context has further intensified the debate surrounding the use of gestures that may be perceived as Nazi-like or antisemitic.