Just days after President Donald Trump levied a 20% tariff on goods from the European Union, Elon Musk has thrown a curveball into the global trade debate. The tech billionaire turned Trump confidant said Europe and US should move towards “a zero-tariff situation, effectively creating a free-trade zone.”
Breaking his silence on Trump’s tariff move, Musk addressed the issue during a videoconference at an event hosted by Italy’s far-right League party in Florence on Saturday. He championed the idea of tearing down trade barriers and opening borders for goods.
“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,” Musk said, according to Reuters. “Effectively creating a free-trade zone between Europe and North America,” he added.
Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, was interviewed by League leader Matteo Salvini. He also advocated for greater labor mobility across borders. “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, “This has certainly been my advice to the president.”
A vocal supporter of Donald Trump, Musk has also backed several right-wing parties in Europe, including France’s Marine Le Pen and Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD). His political stances, including comments on immigration, have drawn criticism from European leaders, including Italy’s president earlier this year.