Elon Musk’s comments in support of a zero-tariff transatlantic trade system are a sign of the billionaire’s weakness and fear, Germany’s outgoing Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck said.

Musk touted the idea as his own view while addressing a gathering of right-wing Italian politicians in Florence on Saturday. Relations between the US and European Union are fraying after US President Donald Trump imposed global tariffs last week. Habeck on Monday joined calls for the bloc to deploy its most powerful tool in retaliation.