In an unprecedented and courageous decision, the Italian government has just announced that it will ban Tesla and the entire US automotive industry from Italian soil with immediate effect. This drastic measure, announced at 00:14 +07 this morning, has caused horror around the world and brought tensions between Italy and the US to a new climax. But the biggest surprise came just a few minutes later, when Tesla boss Elon Musk reacted with a shocking 7-word message that reveals a hidden truth and has the world in shock.
Italy takes drastic step against Tesla
The decision to ban Italy from excluding Tesla and the US auto industry was announced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a short but clear press conference at 00:14 +07. “We can no longer allow foreign companies to harm our economy and our values,” Meloni said in a firm voice. “Tesla and the US auto industry represent a policy that threatens our national sovereignty. From now on, their activities in Italy are prohibited.” The ban includes the sale, production and operation of Tesla vehicles, as well as other US car brands such as Ford and General Motors. Vehicles already registered can be used, but retailers must contract out their operation and existing contracts are canceled.
The decision follows weeks of tensions heightened by President Donald Trump’s new US tariffs, which came into effect on April 3, 2025 and imposed 25 percent of the EU’s imports. Italy, which exports $4 billion worth of cars to the US annually, according to a study by Commerzbank, has been economically threatened by the tariffs. But Meloni’s move is also being interpreted as a response to the close ties between Trump and Elon Musk, who is considered an adviser to the US president. In recent months, Musk has sparked outrage due to his controversial political statements and his support for populist right-wing movements in Europe, including the AFD in Germany.
Elon Musks Shocking Response
Just seven minutes after Meloni’s announcement, at 00:21 +07, Elon Musk reacted on his X platform with a cryptic and at the same time shattering message, consisting of just seven words: “Italy will die for this betrayal.” These words, which were followed in real time around the world, immediately sparked speculation. But it was what Musk revealed in a subsequent post that shocked the world.
Musk claimed that Italy has been secretly negotiating with Chinese automakers like BYD for years to push Tesla out of the market and protect its own auto industry. “Italy made a deal with China,” Musk wrote. “You are selling your future for short-term profits — the truth will shake you all.” He added that he had evidence of secret meetings between Italian government officials and BYD executives, which he would soon release. This accusation, if true, could shake up the European auto industry and political relations between Italy and its EU partners in a lasting way.
The world reacts to the inauguration
Musk’s claim immediately sparked a wave of reactions. The hashtag #ItalientesLaskandal trended worldwide, with millions of users sharing his opinion. “If this is true, it’s a betrayal of Europe,” wrote one user from France. Another commented: “Musk has been lying all along – this is just a diversionary maneuver!” In Italy itself, the government has yet to react to Musk’s allegations, but sources in Meloni’s camp indicate that an official statement is expected soon.
Experts are divided. “It is quite plausible that Italy is trying to secure new partners in view of the US tariffs,” said Dr. Sofia Bianchi, an economic analyst at the University of Milan, opposite Corriere della Sera . “But Musk’s claims need to be backed up with evidence. Without it, it remains pure speculation.” Others, like car expert Marco Rossi, see Musk’s reaction as a desperate attempt to distract from Tesla’s own problems. “Tesla is in a deep crisis – global sales have collapsed and Musk has freed many customers with his political adventures,” Rossi said. “This is a distraction ploy, nothing more.”
Tesla Crisis and History of Italy
Tesla’s difficulties have become unmistakable in recent months. In Italy, Tesla’s new approvals fell by 55% in February 2025 compared to the previous year, while the company’s market share in Europe fell from 14% to 4%. This development is not only attributed to Musk’s controversial political role, but also to increasing competition from European and Chinese manufacturers. Italy itself has reacted to Tesla in the past: on April 1, 2025, 17 Tesla vehicles were burned at a dealership in Rome, an incident that Musk described as “terrorism” and which was interpreted as a protest against his policy.
Italy’s decision to exclude Tesla and the US auto industry may also have domestic motives. Meloni, who has good connections in the Trump camp, is under pressure to satisfy his nationalist base, which is increasingly critical of foreign companies. At the same time, Italy has been debating possible cooperation with Musk’s Starlink satellite network in recent months, which the opposition has criticized as a dependency on Musk. Today’s decision could be an attempt to dispel that criticism.
What’s next?
The coming hours and days will be crucial in unraveling the truth behind Musk’s accusations. If his evidence of Italy’s alleged dealings with China is valid, it could trigger a trade war within the EU and weaken Italy’s position in Europe. At the same time, Tesla faces an uncertain future in Europe, where the brand is already struggling with boycotts, vandalism and falling sales.
Italy’s bold move and Musk’s shocking response have brought the world to the brink of a new global conflict. As tensions between the US, Europe and China continue to escalate, one question remains: who told the truth – Giorgia Meloni or Elon Musk? The world holds its breath.
