Elon Musk Intensifies Feud with Peter Navarro Amidst Falling Tesla Shares
Tesla CEO Elon Musk escalates his war of words with Trump's trade adviser as tariffs spark backlash amid Tesla's declining stock value.
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Musk's attacks on Navarro represent the most public spat between members of Trump's inner circle since the president took office in January, and show that the steep tariffs Trump announced Wednesday on more than 180 countries and territories don't have universal approval in the administration.
Elon Musk ratchets up attacks on Navarro as Tesla shares slump for fourth day
CNBC·10d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.This is the biggest split between Trump and Musk we’ve seen yet.
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Navarro has told Trump what he what he wants to hear on trade, enabling the incoherent tariffs that even many hardcore Trump backers won’t defend.
There’s One Thing Elon Musk Might Be Right About
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Their dispute, in other words, is not the stuff of playgrounds.
Musk calls Trump trade adviser a ‘moron’ as White House divisions burst into public view
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But the split over tariffs is one of the more significant differences in perspective between the president and his biggest booster and top adviser.
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Musk and Navarro have traded barbs over trade policy in recent days.
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The feud between two of Mr. Trump’s top advisers has played out on social media for days as the administration’s new tariffs have caused huge losses across global financial markets.
Elon Musk Calls Peter Navarro a ‘Moron’ in Escalating Tariff Fight
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Musk blasting Navarro, telling Italian politicians he wanted more free trade, and his brother calling the tariffs a destructive tax on consumers makes clear there's now a rift between the two on a crucial issue.
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Trump has in part justified his global wave of tariffs by saying he wants to revive manufacturing in the US.
Elon Musk labels Trump adviser Navarro 'moron' over Tesla comment
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Musk broke with Trump on Saturday on the tariffs, saying at an event that he wants to see a "zero-tariff situation" between the U.S. and Europe.
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Summary
Elon Musk has ramped up his public feud with Peter Navarro, Trump's trade adviser, labeling him a 'moron' and claiming his remarks on Tesla are 'demonstrably false.' This clash comes as Tesla shares fell for the fourth consecutive day, losing 22% over that period. Musk's criticism focused on Navarro's characterization of Tesla as merely a 'car assembler' due to its use of foreign parts. Navarro's defense of recently announced tariffs has spurred Musk's call for free trade, highlighting a significant rift within Trump's circle. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the feud, noting differing views on trade.
Perspectives
Elon Musk publicly criticized Peter Navarro, asserting that Navarro is 'truly a moron' and is 'dumber than a sack of bricks,' demonstrating a complete disregard for Navarro's PhD in economics from Harvard and calling out his comments about Tesla being a 'car assembler.'
The public feud between Musk and Navarro has escalated as Musk's comments come amidst a downturn in Tesla's stock, suggesting that business interests may be motivating his criticisms of trade policy.
The White House acknowledges the differing views on trade between Musk and Navarro, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that such public disagreements reflect a normal dynamic within the administration.
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