Elon Musk pictured at the Atreju convention in Rome, underscoring the Tesla chief’s prominence amid ongoing debates about EU funding.
Credit : Shutterstock, Alessia Pierdomenico
A new rift is emerging between the European Union and the United States, as the EU comes under fire for how much public funding may be flowing to Elon Musk’s various ventures.
This scrutiny arrives against a backdrop of heightened tensions, with US President Donald Trump criticising the EU and threatening higher tariffs, claiming the bloc was ‘formed in order to screw the United States.’ Musk, known for his outspoken presence on social media platform X—which is currently facing an EU investigation—has similarly accused Brussels of ‘censorship’ due to its content moderation rules.
EU funding transparency: Demands for full disclosure on Musk’s companies
German Green EU lawmaker Daniel Freund has penned a letter to the European Commission, urging it to reveal any grants, subsidies, or tenders awarded to Musk’s businesses over the past five years. Freund specifically named SpaceX, Tesla, X, Neuralink, The Boring Company, xAI, and any other entities under Musk’s control. He also wants to know about any advertising spend by EU institutions on platforms owned by Musk. According to Freund, it’s essential to determine whether EU money is ending up in the hands of individuals he believes want to undermine the Union’s values and stability.
Green MEP condemns EU funding: No millions for anti-EU agendas
Freund hasn’t held back in his criticism, stating that the “MAGA crowd including Musk have the clear aim to weaken or even destroy the EU.” He insists the Commission must take a hard look at how its funds are allocated, arguing that “it’s clear the EU should not give millions to people that want to destroy it.” With Musk’s global reach extending well beyond electric cars and rocket ships, the outcome of this inquiry could have far-reaching implications for EU policy on tech funding, cross-Atlantic relations, and the broader conversation about public money going to influential billionaires.
