Elon Musk Denies Affair Rumors with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni After Global Citizen Awards Gala

At the Global Citizen Awards Gala in New York on September 23, 2024, Elon Musk publicly praised Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, calling her “authentic and honest.” The event marked a notable moment of alignment between Musk, known for his admiration of Donald Trump, and Meloni, who leads Italy with a combination of right-wing political roots and strong Atlanticist principles.

Musk presented Meloni with the prestigious Global Citizen Award from the Atlantic Council, highlighting her leadership and Italy’s record economic growth during her tenure. He added a personal note, stating, “It’s an honor to present this to someone who is even more beautiful on the inside than on the outside.”

Meloni, in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, took the opportunity to speak about her commitment to Western values such as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. In a lighthearted moment, she referenced Michael Jackson, humorously naming him as her first English teacher, and quoted his song “Man in the Mirror” to underscore the importance of self-reflection and personal change.

Her speech focused on the importance of strong leadership and the challenges facing Western democracies, including the growing influence of autocracies. She warned of the risks posed by “oikophobia,” a rejection of one’s own culture, and called for a more balanced engagement with the world, particularly with the Global South, as exemplified by Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa.

Meloni concluded her speech with a call to defend democratic values against the rise of authoritarian regimes, echoing the legacy of Ronald Reagan and her vision for preserving Western culture as the foundation for a better future.