Elon Musk praised Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at a black-tie awards dinner in New York on Monday night. The event was hosted by the Atlantic Council, a think tank that gave Meloni a Global Citizens Award. Musk introduced Meloni at her request.
“Giorgia Meloni is someone that I admire. She has done an incredible job as the prime minister of Italy.”
Elon Musk pic.twitter.com/OC6JRLgb9a
— Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) September 24, 2024
“Italy is experiencing a record economic growth, record low unemployment. She's authentic, honest, and truthful.”
Elon Musk on @GiorgiaMeloni pic.twitter.com/6qNzBRxt7w— Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) September 24, 2024
He called her “someone who is even more beautiful on the inside than she is on the outside” and “authentic, honest, and thoughtful.” The audience laughed and applauded his comments. Meloni thanked Musk for his “precious genius.” The two have met several times before. Meloni hosted Musk at her official residence in Rome last year.
They discussed shared interests like the West’s declining birth rates and the potential of artificial intelligence. Musk also spoke at a political festival hosted by Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy party last December. In her speech, Meloni focused on her conservative vision.
It was a great honor for me to receive this illustrious recognition, I am also deeply grateful to Elon Musk for his words of appreciation and for having presented me with the award.
一 Giorgia Meloni pic.twitter.com/4gCdmnLv6c
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) September 24, 2024
She largely avoided current geopolitical issues, except for briefly mentioning Italy’s support for Ukraine.
Musk praises Meloni’s conservative vision
Instead, she emphasized her conservative philosophy.
Meloni passionately defended Western values and civilization. She stated, “Patriotism is the best response to declinism.” She challenged the idea of the “inevitable decline of the West.” She said preserving deep-rooted Western values is necessary for future prosperity. She expressed the importance of the West’s values, including the centrality of the individual, gender equality, freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.
Meloni received a standing ovation from the 600-plus attendees. Sitting next to his mother, model and dietician Maye Musk, Musk also stood and applauded. The event was a moment for Meloni to solidify her presence on the U.S. foreign policy and think tank scene.
She has emerged as a significant political force within the EU. While she has not endorsed any candidate in the upcoming U.S. presidential election, her support for Ukraine has set her apart from other right-wing European leaders like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán. Meloni’s connection with Musk could make her a key intermediary with the tech billionaire if Trump successfully regains the U.S. presidency.
Musk is known for his controversial stands and support for Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
