'We are...': Elon Musk on dating rumours with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni as picture goes viral

A photo of billionaire Elon Musk and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has gone viral online, leading some users to speculate whether the two are romantically involved.

However, Musk has since clarified the rumors, stating that they are not dating.

"We are not dating," Musk tweeted, responding to an X post where he and Meloni were seen talking.


Earlier at the Atlantic Council Global Citizen Award event, Musk praised Meloni, describing her as “someone who is even more beautiful on the inside than on the outside.” He added, “She’s also authentic, honest, and truthful — qualities not always found in politicians.”

Notably, Musk has significant business interests in Italy, and he and Meloni are scheduled for a closed-door meeting later this month to discuss investment opportunities in Italy’s space and artificial intelligence sectors, according to sources.

In June, Italy approved a new regulatory framework that allows foreign space companies to operate in the country, anticipating investments of around €7.3 billion ($8.1 billion). Italy is already served by Musk’s Starlink, which provides broadband internet through a network of over 6,000 satellites operated by his company, SpaceX.

Meloni has also shown interest in artificial intelligence but expressed caution during her speech at the United Nations Summit of the Future earlier this week. While acknowledging AI as a “great multiplier,” she warned that it could exacerbate global inequalities.

“Machines will not answer this question,” Meloni said. “Politics must ensure that artificial intelligence remains under human control and keeps humans at the center.”