Elon Musk and Trump administration adviser Peter Navarro are publicly sparring over tariffs. The feud began when Musk mocked Navarro’s economics credentials on X, Musk’s social media platform, after Navarro praised Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs. Musk quipped that a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard is more of a liability, contributing to an “ego/brains>>1” problem.
A PhD in Econ from Harvard is a bad thing, not a good thing.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 5, 2025
Results in the ego/brains>>1 problem.
Navarro responded on Fox News, suggesting Musk was just protecting his business interests, given his role in the electric car industry. Musk, appearing via video at a League Party event in Italy, advocated for a “zero-tariff zone” and a closer U.S.-European partnership.
In what appeared to be a response, President Trump posted on his social media, implying that big businesses are not concerned about the tariffs, focusing instead on the “big, beautiful deal” underway to boost the economy. The ongoing debate highlights the tension between business leaders and the administration over trade policies.
