Ex-Trump adviser Steve Bannon speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort Hotel And Convention Center on Feb. 20. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images
French far-right leader Jordan Bardella canceled planned remarks at CPAC Friday, after ex-Trump adviser Steve Bannon made a “gesture referring to Nazi ideology,” according to a statement to French news agency Agence France-Presse.
Why it matters: Bardella’s change of plans is the strongest rebuke yet of Bannon, who, during his remarks at the annual conservative conference made a gesture that appeared to mimic a Hitlergruß, or Nazi salute.
- Bannon did not immediately respond to Axios’ request for comment.
- A CPAC representative did not respond to a request for comment Friday.
Driving the news: “At this forum, (Thursday), while I was not present in the room, one of the speakers allowed himself, out of provocation, a gesture referring to Nazi ideology,” Bardella said in a statement to AFP.
- “As a result, I have taken the immediate decision to cancel my speech scheduled for this afternoon at the event.”
The big picture: The Bannon incident comes about a month after Trump-ally Elon Musk also made a hand gesture that drew comparisons to a Nazi salute.
- Despite blowback, Musk dismissed the criticisms, writing on X: “Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired.”
Go deeper: ADL condemns Musk’s Nazi “jokes” after salute controversy
Axios’ Alex Isenstadt contributed reporting.
