TechFlow - Musk Becomes "Top Traitor" in Tariff Policy, Loudly Calling for "Zero Tariffs Between U.S. and Europe"
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TechFlow - Musk Becomes "Top Traitor" in Tariff Policy, Loudly Calling for "Zero Tariffs Between U.S. and Europe"
Musk clashes with Trump's global tariff plan, blasting White House trade advisor Navarro.
Navigating Web3 tides with focused insightsAuthor: Jinshi Data
Elon Musk said on Saturday that he hopes to establish a "zero-tariff" system between the United States and Europe, which would effectively create a "free trade zone." This comes just days after tariffs set by U.S. President Trump threw global markets into turmoil.
Musk told Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini: "In my view, it would be best for both Europe and the U.S. to have zero tariffs, creating a free trade zone between Europe and North America."
His remarks at a right-wing coalition party rally in Florence stood in sharp contrast to Trump's imposition of global tariffs. Since January, Musk has been a key advisor to Trump, having previously served as a major donor to his presidential campaign.
Trump has repeatedly accused the European Union of unfair practices, claiming the bloc was created to "take down" the United States. His vice president, JD Vance, has criticized Europeans for being "afraid of their own voters" and said European values are increasingly diverging from those of America.
On Wednesday last week, Trump announced 20% tariffs on goods entering the U.S. from the EU. The EU stated it prefers a negotiated settlement but is ready to retaliate if necessary—including imposing its own tariffs, taxing services, and targeting U.S. tech companies.
Earlier on Saturday, Musk appeared to criticize senior White House official Peter Navarro, who has long advocated a maximalist approach on tariffs.
In a series of replies on X, Musk suggested Navarro’s Harvard degree was “a bad thing” and noted that Navarro, a former economics professor who served during Trump’s first term, had never built anything himself.
Musk, a frequent presence in the Oval Office, holds an informal role in the Trump administration and is not directly involved in trade policy. Trump said last week that Musk would likely leave the White House “in a few months.”
Tesla produces many electric vehicles in California and Texas, making it less affected by Trump’s auto tariffs compared to other automakers. However, Musk said Tesla—which operates extensively in other countries—would still feel some pain.
In his Florence speech, Musk added that he also wants deeper partnership between the U.S. and Europe, with greater mobility for people wishing to work in either region.
Via video link, he told attendees: "That’s certainly my advice to the president." But he did not clarify whether the advice concerned tariffs, freedom of movement, or both.
In recent weeks, as signs emerge that the billionaire’s relationship with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni may be cooling, Salvini has launched a charm offensive toward Musk.
Bloomberg reported in March that Italy has grown cautious about a planned €1.5 billion ($1.64 billion) deal to purchase SpaceX’s Starlink system due to significant geopolitical shifts.
Musk is expected to step down from leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tasked with cutting costs, after completing his 130-day interim advisory role for Trump, though he will remain closely connected to the president.
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