Days after Trump introduced a sweeping 20 percent tariff for Europe, his special adviser Elon Musk appeared to split with his approach, telling a political rally that he hopes the US and EU shared a “free trade zone.”
The Tesla CEO made the remarks Saturday during a virtual rally of Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini.
“I hope that the United States and Europe can establish a very close partnership,” the SpaceX founder said.
“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.”
Musk also appeared to break with the tariffs’ plan earlier Saturday when he criticized top White House trade advisor Peter Navarro for suggesting Trump’s plan would eventually pay off.
The billionaire also responded to a post noting Navarro’s PhD in economics from Harvard.
“A PhD in Econ from Harvard is a bad thing, not a good thing. Results in the ego/brains>>1 problem,” Musk posted. “He ain’t built s***.”
