Elon Musk’s representative in Italy, Andrea Stroppa, told Sky Tg24 on Thursday that Musk spoke as a private citizen. He did not intend to interfere with Italy’s sovereignty or its institutions.
Stroppa clarified that Musk’s comments on the Italian judiciary were “an honest expression” of his thoughts, not aimed at harming Italian sovereignty.
Musk’s remark followed a ruling by Rome judges that blocked the government’s policy of detaining migrants in Albania for asylum processing, a decision he criticised on social media, stating, “these judges need to go.”
Stroppa stated Musk was speaking solely in his capacity as a private entrepreneur, not as a public official, following his recent appointment by US President-elect Donald Trump to lead a new government efficiency agency.
When asked if Musk might show more restraint in future remarks, Stroppa responded, “I don’t know.” He highlighted Musk’s past conflicts with the Biden administration, noting that, “If someone thinks he can be intimidated, they haven’t understood what he’s like.”
Musk wants strong relations between US and Italy
In a statement to ANSA on Wednesday, Musk expressed a desire for strong US-Italy relations and hopes to meet President Sergio Mattarella soon. He affirmed respect for President Mattarella and Italy’s Constitution, adding that freedom of expression is protected by both the US First Amendment and Italy’s Constitution, so he will continue to express his opinions.
President Mattarella responded Wednesday by affirming Italy’s democratic strength and its ability to “take care of itself,” noting that any foreign figure assuming a major government role must respect Italian sovereignty.
Following Mattarella’s remarks, sources at the prime minister’s office said Premier Giorgia Meloni listens with “great respect” to the President’s words.
On Thursday, Stroppa also addressed his involvement in an Italian corruption probe linked to tech company Sogei and ministries of defence and interior. Under investigation for allegedly receiving a confidential ministerial document, Stroppa told ANSA, “Justice must take its course,” adding that it provides an opportunity for self-defence and noting the importance of respecting magistrates. He acknowledged the personal challenges but described the probe as part of democratic accountability.
