On Tuesday, Elon Musk launched a scathing attack on President Trump’s top trade adviser, Peter Navarro, branding him as “dumber than a sack of bricks.” This confrontation highlights the growing tensions surrounding wide-ranging tariffs that have significantly impacted the global economy.
The feud escalated when Navarro, on Monday, dismissed Musk's contributions to the automotive industry by stating that Musk was not a “car manufacturer” but merely a “car assembler.” He claimed that Tesla, Musk's electric vehicle company, heavily relies on parts sourced from around the world. In response, Musk vigorously defended his company, labeling Navarro a “moron” and suggesting that he consult “the fake expert he invented, Ron Vara.” This imaginary figure has appeared in many of Navarro's economic writings, further emphasizing Musk’s critique.
According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Musk has reportedly lost around $31 billion since the announcement of Trump’s tariffs. The ongoing conflict between Navarro and Musk has unfolded on social media, drawing attention to the significant losses faced by global financial markets due to the administration’s new tariff policies.
Inside the White House, Musk’s latest remarks on Navarro elicited more laughter than concern, as reported by multiple officials who chose to remain anonymous. This humorous response reflects the chaotic atmosphere surrounding the administration's trade strategies and the relationships among its top advisers.
Despite the escalating tensions, President Trump has yet to comment on the spat between two of his influential aides, both of whom he holds in high regard. Navarro has been a senior official on trade during Trump’s first term and has maintained his loyalty to the president, even enduring a four-month jail sentence after being convicted of contempt of Congress for refusing to testify in the investigation of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Musk's criticism of Navarro is particularly striking given his history of aligning closely with Trump. The tech mogul often travels with the president to Florida on weekends, although he was notably absent from the president’s entourage last weekend. This divergence may signal a shift in Musk's relationship with the administration as the fallout from tariff policies continues to unfold.
For ongoing updates on this developing story and insights into the implications of these tensions on the economy, stay tuned to our coverage.
