US Tech Billionaire Elon Musk Advocates for Free Trade Between the US and Europe
US tech billionaire Elon Musk expressed his hope for complete freedom of trade between the United States and Europe in the future. His remarks came just days after US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on trading partners.
Musk, who serves as an adviser to Trump and has been focused on reducing wasteful US public spending, shared his views via video link during a congress hosted by Italy’s right-wing, co-ruling League Party in Florence.
"Ultimately, I hope it’s agreed that both Europe and the United States should move toward a zero-tariff situation, ideally creating a free trade zone between Europe and North America," Musk said.
Under Trump’s plans, announced on Wednesday, Italy—along with other European Union countries—would face a general tariff of 20%. Italy has a significant trade surplus with the United States.
During an interview with League leader Matteo Salvini, Musk, who has often voiced support for right-wing parties across Europe, also expressed his desire for greater freedom of movement between Europe and the US.
"If people wish to work in Europe or wish to work in North America, they should be allowed to do so, in my view," Musk said, adding that this "has certainly been my advice to the president."
Musk, who has previously been close to Italy’s rightist Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her Brothers of Italy party, has also shown support for Salvini’s League. Both parties promote a hard-right agenda centered on law and order, tax cuts, and combating irregular immigration.
Earlier on Saturday, Italy’s Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti, a member of the League, stated that the Italian government seeks "de-escalation" with the US following Trump’s tariff announcement and cautioned against imposing retaliatory tariffs.
Last month, Musk expressed gratitude to Salvini after the League leader suggested Italy should choose Musk’s Starlink company to develop a satellite communication system.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Stay updated with the latest news and updates by visiting ZTC News and Z News Today. Explore more stories and breaking news on these platforms!