Tech billionaire Elon Musk expressed his hope for a future with unrestricted trade between the United States and Europe, speaking just days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on key trading partners.
Addressing a congress of Italy’s right-wing League Party via video link on Saturday, Musk—who serves as a Trump adviser focused on eliminating wasteful public spending—called for a tariff-free trade agreement between North America and Europe.
“Ultimately, I hope it is agreed that both Europe and the United States should ideally move toward a zero-tariff arrangement, effectively establishing a free trade zone,” Musk stated.
Trump’s tariff plan, unveiled on Wednesday, includes a general 20% tariff on Italy and other European Union nations, citing trade imbalances. Italy, which maintains a trade surplus with the U.S., is among the countries affected.
During his discussion with League leader Matteo Salvini, Musk also advocated for greater freedom of movement between Europe and North America.
“If individuals wish to work in Europe or North America, they should have the freedom to do so,” Musk said, adding that this position “has certainly been my advice to the president.”
Musk has previously aligned himself with Italy’s right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her Brothers of Italy party, in addition to expressing support for Salvini’s League. Both parties promote policies focused on law enforcement, tax reductions, and stricter immigration controls.
Earlier on Saturday, Italy’s Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti, a member of the League, called for a “de-escalation” in trade tensions with the U.S. following Trump’s announcement and cautioned against retaliatory measures.
Musk has also maintained business ties with Salvini, thanking him last month after the League leader endorsed selecting his company, Starlink, for Italy’s satellite communications network.
