Elon Musk has said he hopes to see full freedom of trade between the United States and Europe in the future. His comments followed the announcement of new tariffs by former US President Donald Trump.
Speaking via video link at a League Party conference in Florence, Musk said both regions should aim to remove all tariffs. He believes this could create a free trade zone between Europe and North America.
“At the end of the day, I hope it’s agreed that both Europe and the United States should move ideally, in my view, to a zero tariff situation,” he said.
Earlier in the week, Trump proposed a 20% general tariff on goods from the European Union. This includes Italy, which currently has a large trade surplus with the US.
Musk, who has advised Trump on public spending, also spoke about labour mobility. He said people should have the freedom to work on either side of the Atlantic. “If people wish to work in Europe or wish to work in North America, they should be allowed to do so in my view,” he added.
League leader Matteo Salvini interviewed Musk during the event. Musk has previously shown support for Salvini’s party and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy. Both parties promote strict law enforcement, tax cuts, and tighter immigration control.
Italy’s Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti also spoke on Saturday. He said the government wants to ease tensions with the US and warned against responding with more tariffs.
Last month, Salvini suggested Italy should adopt Musk’s Starlink satellite system for communication. Musk later thanked him for the support.
