The noticeably different “energy” brought by Barron Trump and “First Buddy” Elon Musk at Monday’s inauguration has been mocked by social media users.
In a clip shared widely both men are seen rising to their feet as part of a standing ovation for the 47th president. The camera then showed a close-up in which Musk grins and laughs, giving a goofy thumbs up to the camera.
Barron, on the other hand, who is standing next to the tech billionaire, stares around with a mostly blank and disinterested expression.
“Who decided to put @elonmusk and Barron Trump beside of each other. The difference in energy is hilarious,” one social media user wrote. “Barron looked incredibly uncomfortable the entire time.”
“This is what cringe looks like,” wrote another, with one user adding: “As an introvert, completely relatable.”
Others pointed to the high-profile occasion as a possible reason for Barron’s seeming discomfort. “Barron seems tense. Understandably so, given the attempts on his dad’s life. Hope he gets to unwind,” another user wrote.
However, many felt sorry for the teenager getting stuck next to Musk, who has been known for his exuberant displays at political events.
Who decided to put @elonmusk and Barron Trump beside of each other.
— Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) January 20, 2025
The difference in energy is hilarious 🤣
pic.twitter.com/KwjnQtAHki
“You can tell how insecure he is, he looks around for signs of approval after every single thing he does. A very sad pathetic little man, all those billions won’t ever change that,” wrote one user.
“The face that says ‘how the f*** did I get stuck next to this idiot’,” wrote another.
Musk also sparked widespread outrage after he made a gesture during onstage remarks that many compared to a Nazi-era salute.
While getting extremely excited about the prospect of landing a man on Mars and planting an American flag, the SpaceX owner pounded his chest and shot his right arm in an angular motion toward the sky, saying he felt it in his “heart.”
“Yeah Elon gave a Sieg Heil,” one user posted on Bluesky, while others pointedly accused him of giving a “Nazi salute”.
“Our new co-president Elon Musk gives a Nazi salute on day one of Trump presidency,” Democratic strategist Sawyer Hackett tweeted while sharing a clip of the gesture.
