Elon Musk's plea falls on deaf ears as Trump holds firm on tariffs
Elon Musk directly appealed to Donald Trump regarding the president's decision on tariffs, but it had no effect, writes "The Washington Post".
According to "The Washington Post", Elon Musk personally spoke with Donald Trump to change his mind on tariffs. This marks the most significant disagreement so far between the president and his close associate.
Over the weekend, Elon Musk posted numerous comments on social media criticising one of the main White House advisers, Peter Navarro, for the plan to impose tariffs. The billionaire also personally appealed to Trump regarding the tariffs, it has been reported.
However, Musk's personal intervention attempts have not yet achieved the desired results.
Musk on tariffs: Questions Trump's decision
Last weekend, during a conference in Florence organised by the Italian party League, Elon Musk proposed creating a free trade zone between the USA and Europe. Musk emphasised that the ideal solution would be to eliminate tariffs, creating a free trade zone between Europe and North America.
"I hope it is agreed that both Europe and the United States should move, ideally, in my view, to a zero-tariff situation, effectively creating a free trade zone between Europe and North America", said Musk.
Donald Trump was later asked about Elon Musk's proposal. "The problem is that Europe made a fortune with us. Europe also has had a tremendous surplus with the United States. Europe has treated us very badly," stated the US president.
"We have put a big tariff on Europe. They are coming to the table and want to talk, but there is no talk unless they pay us. Number one, for present, but also for past, because they have taken a lot of our wealth. And we are not gonna allow that to happen," he summarised.
What are the reactions to the new US tariffs?
The new tariffs announced by Donald Trump, including a 20% tariff on imports from EU countries, have elicited mixed reactions. Italian Minister of Economy, Giancarlo Giorgetti, called for de-escalation of tensions with Washington, warning against retaliatory actions.
Meanwhile, the European Union, as announced by the Head of the EU Trade Commission, Maros Sefcovic, plans to respond to the US tariffs in a calm and organised manner.
The announcement of the new tariffs by the US caused declines in stock markets, both in the United States and internationally.
