While Donald Trump escalates trade tensions with threats of a 50% tariff on Chinese imports, Elon Musk is hitting the brakes—both publicly and behind the scenes. Not only did he criticize Trump’s trade advisor Peter Navarro on X, but according to Washington sources, Musk also privately urged Trump to reconsider his tariff strategy.
📉 Trump Doubles Down, Musk Calls for Reason
Despite Musk’s appeals, Trump has only intensified his stance, threatening a new 50% import tax if China doesn’t roll back its retaliatory measures. That announcement sent shockwaves through the market—Tesla shares dropped over 2.5% in premarket trading Tuesday and are now down nearly 39% year-to-date.
🤝 Collaboration, Not Protectionism
Musk, who donated nearly $290 million to Trump and other Republican campaigns during this election cycle, warned of the consequences. In a conversation with Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, Musk said:
“I hope we’ll eventually agree on a free trade zone between the U.S. and Europe. Zero tariffs would be ideal.”
He also posted a video of economist Milton Friedman defending free-market policies—a clear rebuke of Trump’s protectionist approach.
💬 Verbal Jabs on X
Over the weekend, Musk took aim at Peter Navarro, calling out the architect of Trump’s tariff policy:
“A PhD from Harvard is more of a liability than an asset. Ego and intelligence in the same body is a dangerous combo.”
Navarro hasn’t responded—but the tension between Tesla and the White House is clearly rising.
🧨 When Business and Politics Collide
Many Trump supporters in the tech and finance world expected more influence over policy decisions. Instead, they’re now watching American exporters being harmed more than their foreign rivals.
Investor and Musk ally Joe Lonsdale confirmed he warned insiders that the tariffs would backfire. A behind-the-scenes lobbying effort has reportedly begun to sway Trump’s stance—with hopes that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent might balance out the more extreme voices.
Yet to their surprise, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, once close to Musk, has become a vocal protections advocate.
⚠️ Tesla Becomes a Political Symbol
Dan Ives, analyst at Wedbush Securities and longtime Tesla supporter, slashed his price target from $550 to $315, writing:
“Tesla has become a global political symbol—and that’s toxic for its future. This brand crisis has gone full F5 tornado.”
🌀 “Trump: The Highest-Tax President in a Generation”?
Even Kimbal Musk, Elon’s brother and Tesla board member, joined the debate:
“Who would’ve thought Trump would become the most tax-happy U.S. president in a generation? Tariffs mean lower consumption. Lower consumption means fewer jobs. And fewer jobs mean even lower consumption.”
🤔 Musk Softens—Slightly
Later on Monday, Musk acknowledged that some points raised by the U.S. Trade Representative’s office made sense, especially regarding unfair practices impacting American exporters. But despite both public and private pressure, Trump shows no sign of retreating.
Summary: Musk Sounds the Alarm, Trump Holds Firm—Markets Brace for Impact
The Musk-Trump relationship is under strain. Tesla faces uncertainty, investors are nervous, and Washington is digging in. These tariffs may not just hit China—they could backfire on American innovation, global trust, and job creation.
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