How Trump, Musk, and Meloni’s Power Alliance Could Reshape Europe

[keypoints]

• Meloni and Musk’s alliance may boost Trump’s European influence and policies.
• Musk supports Meloni’s anti-migrant stance, viewing migration as unsustainable.
• Meloni’s EU leadership solidifies as the Musk-Trump alliance shapes Europe.

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How Trump, Musk, and Meloni’s Power Alliance Could Reshape Europe”

As the political landscape shifts, Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s Prime Minister, seems poised to become Donald Trump’s primary ally in Europe, thanks to her close ties with tech billionaire Elon Musk. Their emerging alliance could impact policies across Europe, especially concerning Ukraine.

This surprising connection hinges on Musk’s support for Trump and Meloni. Musk, who recently contributed an estimated $127 million to Trump’s campaign and has been vocal in his endorsement of X (formerly Twitter), was appointed to head a newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). His mission? Cut government waste — a role Musk is familiar with, having slashed costs in his own ventures. At SpaceX, for instance, he boasts of achieving tasks for $50,000 that might cost NASA ten times as much.

During his victory speech at Mar-a-Lago, Trump praised Musk, calling him a “new star,” in an unprecedented eulogy that has since made headlines. However, Musk’s admiration doesn’t stop with Trump. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has become his favourite European leader, as Musk has visited her twice in Rome and publicly lauded her.

The first European leader to call Trump to congratulate him on winning the election was Meloni, who then called Musk. According to Meloni’s official statement, she and Trump shared a vision for collaboration on international issues, starting with Ukraine. Meloni’s follow-up chat with Musk was equally enthusiastic, with her publicly commending Musk’s “dedication and vision,” which she believes will benefit both the U.S. and Italy.

Musk, who has played a crucial role in Ukraine since 2022 by providing his Starlink internet service to aid its defence efforts, has recently questioned the viability of continued resistance against Russia. Although Musk initially provided Starlink for free, he later expressed concerns over the expense, prompting the White House to pick up the tab. His stance on Ukraine is shifting, as he now believes the country may struggle to expel Russian forces.

Trump’s own approach to Ukraine has also sparked speculation. He’s stated that he would “end the war on day one” if elected, a move that experts predict might involve pressuring Ukraine to concede territory in exchange for peace. Meloni, however, has consistently supported military aid to Ukraine, standing as one of Europe’s most vocal advocates for the country’s defence. Yet, her close ties with Musk and Trump could allow her to influence their positions.

Both Trump and Meloni represent a brand of populism often labelled as “far-right” or “nationalist.” Andrea Di Giuseppe, representing Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party in the U.S., remarked that Meloni’s approach aligns closely with Trump’s. As a founding member of the EU and a significant European economy, Italy’s leadership under Meloni has taken a more conservative stance, resonating with Trump’s political ideology.

Meloni and Musk’s public connection has only grown. The two shared a table at Manhattan’s Ziegfeld Ballroom during a recent gala dinner where Musk presented Meloni with the Atlantic Council’s Global Citizen Award. Meloni was seen admiring Musk in a widely shared photo from the event, which led to rumours of a romantic relationship that Musk later denied on X. The photo, however, underscored their bond and mutual admiration.

The two share a vision for reversing Europe’s declining birth rate, which they see as a critical challenge for the West. Italy’s population has dropped by over a million since 2014, while nearly a million migrants have arrived, primarily by sea. Italy’s fertility rate, now at 1.3 children per woman, is among the world’s lowest. Musk and Meloni believe that reversing this demographic decline cannot rely on immigration alone. Instead, they have supported policies to curb illegal migration and advocated for policies that prioritise native-born citizens.

Musk has publicly supported Meloni’s strategy of negotiating with North African countries to reduce migrant crossings in the Mediterranean. He also backs her initiative to offshore migrants from safe countries, like Bangladesh, to Albania while awaiting deportation—a policy recently halted by Italy’s judges. After the court’s decision, Musk tweeted his frustration, questioning if Italy truly operates as a democracy.

Since taking office two years ago, Meloni has emerged as a prominent figure in European politics. With French President Emmanuel Macron’s influence waning and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz facing a fractured government, Meloni now stands as the leading voice for Europe’s conservative right. Her connections to both Trump and Musk could make her a pivotal player in shaping the EU’s future.

As Europe’s political dynamics evolve, this trio’s influence could impact decisions on security, immigration, and economic policies across the continent. With Meloni’s unwavering conservative stance, Musk’s vast resources, and Trump’s potential return to power, the world is watching closely to see how this transatlantic alliance will reshape Europe in the coming years.

What would you be hoping to see after these selected individuals begin working?