Peter Navarro helps guide President Trump on matters related to trade, factory production, and economic development. EPA
Elon Musk has sharply criticized Donald Trump’s trade adviser, Peter Navarro, over recent remarks about Tesla. Musk didn’t hold back. He called Navarro a "moron" and said he was "dumber than a sack of bricks" in posts on his social media platform, X.
Navarro had questioned Tesla’s role in the U.S. auto industry. In a TV interview, he said Musk wasn’t truly a car maker, just “a car assembler.” He also pushed for more vehicle parts to be made in the United States.
Musk quickly fired back. He said Navarro’s comments were totally false and misleading. Musk added that Tesla uses more U.S.-made parts than any other car company in the country.
Tesla, known for its electric vehicles, has built a reputation for innovation. Musk posted a report from Kelley Blue Book showing that Tesla leads in U.S.-based production. He wrote, “Tesla is the most vertically integrated auto manufacturer in America.”
The clash between Musk and Navarro highlights growing tension between Trump’s trade team and business leaders. Musk, who is part of a government group aimed at cutting federal spending, has not openly supported Trump’s new tariff plans.
At the center of the issue is Trump’s push to increase tariffs. The former president says he wants to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. Navarro shares this view. He said the country needs to move beyond assembling parts from other countries and start producing them here again.
However, Musk and other business leaders see things differently. They worry the tariffs will hurt global trade and damage the economy. Musk even shared an old video of economist Milton Friedman, who opposed tariffs and favored open markets.
Other top business figures have also spoken out. A survey of U.S. CEOs revealed strong concerns about the policy. Nearly 80% said they feel embarrassed in front of global partners, and almost 90% said the tariffs could trigger a recession.
Musk’s concern is not only about Tesla. He warned that the whole industry could suffer if tariffs go too far. He said even Tesla, which builds many of its parts in the U.S., would feel the pain.
Some experts agree. Dan Ives, a tech industry analyst, said Tesla may still rely on parts from countries like China. He warned that new tariffs could disrupt Tesla’s supply chain and global operations.
Another billionaire, Bill Ackman, joined the growing list of critics. He said the tariffs could cause “major global economic disruption” and urged leaders to rethink their approach.
Navarro, a close Trump ally, is known for his hardline views on trade. He also served jail time for refusing to cooperate with a House investigation into the 2020 election.
Musk’s online posts have sparked a lot of debate. While some support him, others see the clash as a sign of deeper divides within Trump’s circle as economic policies remain a hot topic in the run-up to the next election.
