Musk-Trump: Is their relationship on the verge of breaking permanently?

Elon Musk, appointed by Donald Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, expresses support for "more freedom of movement between Europe and North America".

The Republican billionaire hopes, contrary to the latest measures by the American president, to achieve a situation of zero customs duties.

A close partnership

On Saturday, during the Italian anti-migrant party La League Congress in Florence, Musk stated that Europe and the United States "should ideally evolve, in my opinion, towards a situation of zero customs duties, thus creating a free trade area between Europe and North America". And he added: "I hope the United States and Europe can establish a very close partnership," in response to Matteo Salvini, leader of the far-right party La League and vice-chief of the ultraconservative Italian government. A fervent admirer of the Tesla boss.

The declarations occur only three days after Donald Trump signed a decree providing for, among other things, 20% additional taxes on goods arriving in the United States from the European Union (EU), reports the media L'Indépendant. In favour of "more freedom of movement between Europe and North America", Elon Musk indicated: "Whether one wishes to work in Europe or the United States, one should be able to do so, in my opinion," specifying that he had "advised President Trump in this regard".

Jab at Navarro

Moreover, the tech mogul didn't hesitate to openly criticise Peter Navarro, the trade adviser to the American president, and architect behind the tariff plan. And although Musk is a true supporter of Donald Trump, he stated that Navarro's strategy was "a bad thing".

"A Harvard PhD in economics is a bad thing, not a good thing. It results in an ego/brain problem," he wrote on his social media X.

So, how strong is the relationship between Musk and Trump? Only the future will tell…

(MH with Manon Pierre - Source: L'Indépendant - Picture: ©picture alliance / Consolidated News Photos | SAUL LOEB)