Tesla CEO Elon Musk has targeted President Donald Trump’s top trade advisor, Peter Navarro, calling him “dumber than a sack of bricks” and criticizing his tariffs on over 180 countries and territories. The spat between the two is the most public rift among Trump’s inner circle since he took office.
Musk’s attacks on Navarro appear to be linked to business conditions. Tesla shares have plummeted for four straight days, with a 22% decline in the past week alone. Musk has also criticized the tariffs, saying they are “demonstrably false” and that Navarro is “dangerously dumb.”
The CEO’s younger brother, Kimbal Musk, has joined in on the criticism, calling the tariffs a “permanent tax on the American consumer.” The China-U.S. standoff is seen as a major factor in Tesla’s decline, with the company facing increased production costs due to tariffs on materials and parts from foreign suppliers.
Despite his criticism of Navarro’s tariffs, Musk has expressed support for free trade. In an event hosted by right-wing Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, Musk said that both Europe and the United States should move towards a zero-tariff situation. This stance is in contrast to Trump’s policies, which have had a significant impact on Tesla’s business.
The company’s struggles are evident in its latest financial report, which showed a 13% year-over-year decline in first-quarter deliveries. Musk has also faced criticism from protesters and boycotters targeting Tesla vehicles and facilities over his political rhetoric and work in the White House.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/08/elon-musk-steps-up-attacks-on-navarro-as-tesla-shares-slump-fourth-day.html