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- French far-right leader Jordan Bardella canceled his CPAC speech after Steve Bannon made a gesture resembling a Nazi salute.
- The incident occurred during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).
- Bannon’s action sparked widespread criticism and condemnation.
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Quick Brief
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Essential Context
During the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on February 21, 2025, President Trump adviser Steve Bannon made a gesture that appeared to mimic the Nazi salute, known as the Hitlergruß. This provocative act led French far-right leader Jordan Bardella to cancel his scheduled speech at the event.
Core Players
- Steve Bannon – Former adviser to President Trump, media personality, and political strategist.
- Jordan Bardella – French far-right leader who canceled his CPAC speech in response to Bannon’s gesture.
- CPAC – Conservative Political Action Conference, a major annual gathering of conservative activists and politicians.
Key Numbers
- February 21, 2025 – Date of the incident at CPAC.
- 1 – Number of speech canceled by Jordan Bardella in response to Bannon’s gesture.
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The Catalyst
Steve Bannon’s gesture, which appeared to be a Nazi salute, was the direct trigger for Jordan Bardella’s decision to cancel his speech. Bardella stated, “At this forum, one of the speakers allowed himself, out of provocation, a gesture referring to Nazi ideology. As a result, I have taken the immediate decision to cancel my speech scheduled for this afternoon at the event.”[1]
Inside Forces
The incident highlights the internal dynamics within conservative and far-right groups. Bannon’s action may have been intended as a provocation, but it resulted in significant backlash. CPAC, known for its platform for conservative voices, faced criticism for not immediately addressing the incident.
Bardella’s decision to cancel his speech reflects the broader sensitivity around Nazi symbols and ideology, especially in the context of a major public event.
Power Dynamics
The power dynamics at play involve the influence of key figures like Bannon and the reactions of other leaders. Bannon’s gesture underscored his controversial reputation and the divisive nature of his public appearances. Bardella’s quick response demonstrated his commitment to distancing himself from such actions.
The incident also highlights the tensions within the conservative movement, where some figures may use provocative gestures to attract attention or make ideological statements.
Outside Impact
The broader implications include increased scrutiny of CPAC and its speakers. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and other organizations condemned Bannon’s gesture, emphasizing the dangers of normalizing Nazi ideology.
The incident may also affect future events and the way speakers are vetted, as organizers seek to avoid similar controversies.
Future Forces
Looking ahead, this incident could lead to greater scrutiny of public figures and their actions at major events. There may be increased calls for accountability and clearer guidelines on what constitutes acceptable behavior.
The conservative movement will likely face questions about its tolerance for extremist or provocative behavior, potentially influencing its public image and internal policies.
Data Points
- February 21, 2025 – Date of the CPAC event and Bannon’s gesture.
- CPAC – Annual conference that brings together conservative activists and politicians.
- Bannon’s history of controversial statements and actions continues to draw public attention.
The cancellation of Jordan Bardella’s speech at CPAC due to Steve Bannon’s apparent Nazi salute underscores the sensitive and divisive nature of such gestures. As the incident continues to draw public attention, it is likely to impact future events and the broader conservative movement.
