Trump's reported nomination of Musk to head a new Department of Government Efficiency dominated morning headlines, with comparisons to the Manhattan Project. The narrative shifted when President Mattarella issued a sharp rebuke to Musk's criticism of Italian judiciary, stating "Italy can take care of itself" and demanding respect for national sovereignty.
Musk responded by questioning whether Italy is ruled by an "unelected autocracy," prompting government figures to carefully balance support for Mattarella while avoiding alienating Musk. By evening, following a phone call with Meloni, Musk expressed hope to meet Mattarella while maintaining his right to comment.
Meanwhile, investigations into Rome's Jubilee funds revealed allegations of corruption in contracts worth 100 million euros. The European Commission appointments crisis deepened as Socialists withdrew support for Fitto's nomination, threatening von der Leyen's majority.