In an unprecedented and bold decision, the Italian government has just announced that it will immediately ban Tesla and the entire US automotive industry from entering Italy. This drastic measure, announced this morning at 12:14 AM +07, has caused worldwide outrage and brought tensions between Italy and the US to a new peak. But the biggest surprise came just minutes later, when Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded with a shocking 7-word message that revealed a hidden truth and shocked the world.
The decision to exclude Italy, and thus Tesla and the US auto industry, was announced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a brief but clear press conference at 00:14 +07. “We can no longer allow foreign companies to undermine our economy and our values,” Meloni said firmly. “Tesla and the US auto industry are pursuing policies that threaten our national sovereignty. Their activities in Italy are immediately prohibited.” The ban includes the sale, production, and operation of Tesla vehicles, as well as other US auto brands such as Ford and General Motors. Already registered vehicles can be used, but dealers must outsource operations, and existing contracts will be terminated.
The decision follows weeks of tension, which were further exacerbated by President Donald Trump’s new US tariffs, which came into effect on April 3, 2025, and affected 25 percent of EU exports. Italy, which exports cars worth four billion dollars to the US annually, according to a Commerzbank study, sees these tariffs as an economic threat. Meloni’s move is also being interpreted as a reaction to the close ties between Trump and Elon Musk, who is considered an advisor to the US president. In recent months, Musk has caused outrage with his controversial political statements and his support for right-wing populist movements in Europe, including the AfD in Germany.
Just seven minutes after Meloni’s announcement, at 00:21 +07, Elon Musk responded on his X platform with a cryptic yet shocking message consisting of just seven words: “Italy will die for this betrayal.” These words, followed in real time around the world, immediately sparked speculation. But what Musk revealed in a subsequent post shocked the world.
Musk claimed that Italy had 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. “They are selling your future for short-term gains—the truth will shock you all.” He added that he had evidence of secret meetings between Italian government officials and BYD executives, which he would soon publish. If this allegation proves true, it could have a lasting impact on the European auto industry and political relations between Italy and its EU partners.
Musk’s claim immediately sparked a wave of backlash. The hashtag #ItalientesLaskandal is trending worldwide, and millions of users are sharing their views. “If this is true, this is a betrayal of Europe,” wrote one user from France. Another commented: “Musk is lying there the whole time—it’s just an evasive maneuver!” In Italy itself, the government has not yet responded to Musk’s allegations, but sources close to Meloni indicate that an official statement is expected soon.
Experts are divided. “It’s entirely plausible that Italy will try to win new partners in light of the US tariffs,” Dr. Sofia Bianchi, an economic analyst at the University of Milan, told Corriere della Sera . “But Musk’s claims must be backed up by evidence. Without it, they remain pure speculation.” Others, like automotive 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 alienated many customers with his political adventures,” Rossi said. “This is a distraction, nothing more.”
Tesla’s difficulties have become obvious in recent months. In Italy, Tesla’s new registrations 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 due not only 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 down at a car dealership in Rome, an incident Musk described as “terrorism” and interpreted as a protest against his policies.
Italy’s decision to exclude Tesla and the US auto industry may also have domestic political reasons. Meloni, who has good contacts 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 discussing a possible collaboration with Musk’s Starlink satellite network in recent months, which has been criticized as a dependency on Musk. Today’s decision could be an attempt to refute this criticism.
The coming hours and days will be crucial in uncovering the truth behind Musk’s allegations. If her evidence regarding Italy’s alleged dealings with China proves solid, 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 declining 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 rise, one question remains: Who was telling the truth—Giorgia Meloni or Elon Musk? The world holds its breath.
