Elon Musk torched President Donald Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro on the X-Post Tuesday after Navarro dismissed Tesla’s CEO as the “car assembler” praised in an interview with CNBC.
The spat exploded as Navarro criticized masks for their reliance on foreign parts, saying the White House preferred American-made tires, transmissions and engines to what Tesla sold overseas, selling overseas. Musk, who leads the Trump administration’s government efficiency (DOGE), responded by calling him “a carriage more than a brick bag” and “an idiot” on his social media platform. (Related: Peter Navarro says there is “no cleft” between himself and musk, as he is duels more publicly than Trump’s tariffs.)
“When it comes to tariffs and trade, we all understand that in the White House and Americans are automakers. But he’s not an automaker. He’s an assembler for cars,” Navarro said on CNBC. “Many times, when you go to his Texas factory, it’s a significant portion of the engine he gets, and in the EV case the batteries come from Japan, they come from China. The electronics come from Taiwan. They come from tires. I want a car manufactured here.”
Navarro is really stupid. What he’s saying here is clearly wrong.
– Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 8, 2025
“Navarro is really stupid. What he’s saying here is clearly wrong,” Musk replied.
In another reply, Musk claims that “Tesla has the most American-made cars” and links to Kelly Blue’s book study It reflects this claim. The wealthiest man in the world was called Navarro, and tagged his X account, calling it “more stupid than a brick bag.” He also warned @ifindretards, or “retard finder.” account Its clear purpose is to “find a return on X and its posts.”
By any definition, Tesla is America’s most vertically integrated car manufacturer, with the highest percentage of content in the US.
Navarro should ask Ron Bara, the fake expert he invented.
– Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 8, 2025
“By any definition, Tesla is America’s most vertically integrated car manufacturer and has the highest percentage of content in the US,” Musk continued. “Navarro should ask Ron Bara the fake expert he invented.”
Navarro’s remarks come as the administration weathers the economic storm from Trump’s fundamental tariffs, particularly those targeting China. The president will double his 50% obligation unless Beijing gives yields, but Musk has emerged as an unusual voice in a regime that encourages restraint and embraces the principles of free trade. (Related: Fake News Headline Dupe CNBC causes an insane stock market swing in minutes)
Posted by Tesla CEO video Deceased professional trade economist Milton Friedman explains the need for an international supply chain to manufacture pencils on Monday. This is clearly supported by Musk of this philosophy. Two days ago, he appeared on a podcast with Italian vice-prime minister Matteo Salvini, defending “the free trade zone between Europe and North America.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcwv_xc4e4u
The feud has attracted attention as the president’s economic team exposes a rift between two Trump’s top allies as a fight over the future of US trade policy. A defender of offensive protectionism, Navarro has often clashed with corporate interests over domestic sourcing and repurposing strategies.
The attack on masks was not limited to policy. In a Saturday post, he swipes through Navarro’s academic credentials and writes:
A PhD from Harvard University’s econ is a bad thing, not a good thing.
Ego/Brain Results >> 1 Problem.
– Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 5, 2025
When a user replied that Navarro was right in the trade, Musk said, “He’s not making shit.” post.
White House spokesman Karoline Leavitt told CNBC that the administration was frustrated with SPAT.
“Anything” she I said Eamon Javers from CNBC. “We are the most transparent government in history and express our disagreements in public places.”
Navarro has yet to respond to Tuesday’s string of insults.
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