Elon Musk lavished praise on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a high-profile awards ceremony in New York, adding another chapter to their increasingly close relationship. The SpaceX and Tesla CEO presented Meloni with the Atlantic Council Global Citizen Award, offering her a personal and public commendation.
Musk described the Italian leader as "even more beautiful on the inside than she was on the outside" and lauded her for being "authentic, honest, and truthful," qualities he remarked are often missing in politicians.
A Deeper Connection?
This interaction signals a deeper alignment between Musk and Meloni, particularly in their political outlooks. Musk, who has voiced support for Donald Trump’s return to power in the US, has seemingly found common ground with Meloni, whose conservative roots place her on the right of Italy's political spectrum. Despite this, Meloni has balanced her domestic and international positions, including her commitment to the G7’s unified stance in support of Ukraine against Russia’s invasion. Her ability to maintain these alliances while upholding her political values has not gone unnoticed, including by figures like Musk.
The billionaire’s admiration for Meloni isn't a new development. In December, Musk attended a gathering hosted by Meloni's right-wing Brothers of Italy party, where he addressed the nation’s declining birth rate, a pressing issue for Italy. With the lowest birth rate in Europe, Musk called on Italians to increase the population, emphasising the need to "make more Italians." He also touched on the sensitive subject of migration, suggesting that unchecked migration might pose challenges for the country’s future, another area where their views seem to overlap.
Musk’s praise of Meloni highlights a shared political ethos that resonates beyond Italian borders, blending populist themes with strategic international alliances. Their relationship continues to evolve, sparking interest from both sides of the Atlantic.