The gesture comes as Trump and his allies have prompted growing alarm among critics about their embrace of authoritarian messaging and symbols.

Bardella announced his withdrawal from the conference after claiming Bannon made a "gesture referring to Nazi ideology" during a speech on Thursday. Bannon was accused of giving a Nazi salute after he extended his right arm out with palm facing out after his address, though he has denied the claim.

French far-right leader Jordan Bardella on Friday cancelled his speech at the conservative CPAC conference in Washington after what he described as a Nazi salute by a speaker, an apparent reference to Steve Bannon,