Elon Musk has finally lashed out at Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs. The Tesla boss completely contradicted the US President when he said he hoped to see complete freedom of trade between the United States and Europe in the future.

Musk, a Trump adviser who has been working to eliminate wasteful US public spending, spoke via video-link at a congress in Florence of Italy's right-wing, co-ruling League Party. He said: "At the end of the day, I hope it's agreed that both Europe and the United States should move ideally, in my view, to a zero tariff situation, effectively creating a free trade zone between Europe and North America.

Talking to Italian politician Matteo Salvini, Musk added: "If people wish to work in Europe or wish to work in North America, they should be allowed to do so in my view." Musk also noted it "has certainly been my advice to the president".

The SpaceX rocket and X social media site owner has seen an astonishing £8.5 billion wiped off his net worth in the past few days after a series of sweeping financial moves from Washington, which has hit every country in the world, except Russia, with trade taxes.

The Mirror reports Mr Musk also launched an attack on Donald Trump's trade adviser, Peter Navarro, who is believed to be the architect behind these controversial tariffs.

On Saturday, the Tesla founded fumed on X and wrote: "A PhD in Econ from Harvard is a bad thing, not a good thing. Results in the ego/brains>>1 problem."

The billionaire also responded to another X user's comment and wrote: "He ain't built s**t." Mr Musk has appeared to publicly go against his beloved Mr Trump for the first time after the President's policy directly affected his billionaire pockets.

Mr Musk had enjoyed a reputed "bromance" with President Donald Trump during his successful election campaign for a second term in the White House and during the early days of his presidency.

The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, was created by President Donald Trump who handing over the running of it to Mr Musk.

The aim of DOGE was to target federal agencies with sweeping spending cuts.

Over the weekend opponents of President Trump and Elon Musk rallied across America to protest against the administration's actions on government downsizing, the economy, human rights and other issues.

More than 1,200 “Hands Off!” demonstrations were planned by more than 150 groups, including civil rights organisations, labour unions, LBGTQ+ advocates, veterans and elections activists.

The protest sites included the National Mall in Washington DC, state capitols and other locations in all 50 states.