Tesla CEO and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk is never afraid to offer his opinion—particularly on political issues. He recently focused on Peter Navarro, President Donald Trump’s trade and manufacturing adviser. This followed Navarro’s defense of Trump’s broad tariff policy, which resulted in severe losses in global markets. Musk’s biting comments have sparked a broader argument over the effect of such tariffs, the role of Navarro in guiding them, and the eventual economic repercussions.
Elon Musk vs Peter Navarro
Elon Musk, who generally defended Trump’s policies, went against his stand recently due to the imposition of the recent tariffs. Following Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff move, Wall Street received a major blow, as the stock market lost a record $2.5 million. Musk, whose own fortune fell by more than $30 billion as a result of the market decline, vented his frustration. After watching a video in which Navarro was arguing in favor of the tariffs, Musk attacked Navarro’s credentials, saying, “A PhD in Econ from Harvard is a bad thing, not a good thing.”
Elon Musk now taking open shots at fellow top WH adviser Peter Navarro, who happens to be an architect of the Trump tariffs Musk has largely avoided commenting on. pic.twitter.com/UGH7JI82uF
— Aaron Blake (@AaronBlake) April 5, 2025
But Musk did not rest there. He attacked Navarro’s real-world experience, stating bluntly, “He ain’t built s***.” These remarks express Musk’s annoyance with Navarro’s theoretical bent of mind to trade policy, which Musk perceives does not reflect the real world of business and the economy. According to Musk, policy resolutions must be based on practical outcomes, rather than theoretical models.
The Fallout of Trump’s Tariffs
Trump’s tariffs have opened up a major controversy that has serious implications in the minds of economists and entrepreneurs. Most have warned that such tariffs can usher in a world trade war, even another Great Depression. While countries are already hitting back with U.S. tariffs, the international economic outlook could be in for a grim plunge.
Musk’s outspoken condemnation of Navarro and the tariffs indicates a growing sentiment that poorly thought-out policies have catastrophic and far-reaching effects. Musk’s frustration is not solely personal; he’s speaking on behalf of many in the corporate world who worry about the long-term effects of these trade wars.
While the conflict between Musk and Navarro is unresolved, it highlights a deeper economic policy divide. On one hand are those who depend on theoretical economics and academic knowledge, and on the other are entrepreneurs such as Musk, who focus on practical, real-world solutions. This constant struggle questions how to best tackle trade policy in an interdependent global economy.
