The Washington Post has reported that tech billionaire Elon Musk directly appealed to President Donald Trump to reverse his tariff plan. Musk holds a key post in the US administration.



The newspaper added in Monday's report that Musk's request has so far been unsuccessful.



Musk is CEO of electric vehicle maker Tesla. He reportedly views Trump's tariffs as harmful for his company, which has production bases and markets in both the United States and China.



Musk spoke about tariffs on Saturday when he took part online in a meeting of Italy's right-wing League Party.



He expressed hope that at the end of the day, both Europe and the United States would move to a "zero-tariff situation," and agree to create a "free trade zone" between them.