Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was celebrated at the Atlantic Council's Global Citizen Awards in New York, where she received high praise from Elon Musk.

Musk, who presented the award, lauded Meloni for her leadership and Italy's record growth under her tenure.

Meloni, in her acceptance speech, emphasized the importance of leadership over following public opinion, advocating for patriotism and national pride.

She warned against the dangers of authoritarianism and the West's perceived superiority, urging a balanced approach to global relations.

Meloni's speech, which included a nod to Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror," highlighted her commitment to defending democratic values and learning from past mistakes to ensure a better future.