Tesla CEO Elon Musk launched a scathing public attack on Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro Tuesday, calling him a "moron" and "dumber than a sack of bricks" in a heated exchange over tariffs and U.S. manufacturing policy. The dispute underscores widening fractures among President Donald Trump's allies over his administration's aggressive trade strategy.
The feud was sparked by Navarro's Monday appearance on CNBC, where he questioned Musk's manufacturing credentials, asserting that Tesla is "not a car manufacturer" but a "car assembler." Navarro claimed that key Tesla components, including electric vehicle batteries and electronics, are sourced from Japan, China, and Taiwan.
"The difference is, in our thinking and Elon's on this, is that we want the tires made in Akron. We want the transmissions made in Indianapolis. We want the engines made in Flint and Saginaw. And we want the cars manufactured here," Navarro said. He added that relying on foreign parts is "bad for our economics" and "bad for our national security."
Musk fired back on X, formerly Twitter, declaring, Navarro is "truly a moron. What he says here is demonstrably false." In another post, he wrote, "Tesla has the most American-made cars. Navarro is dumber than a sack of bricks." He later added sarcastically, "Apologies for comparing him to bricks. That was unfair-to bricks."
The spat comes amid Trump's rollout of sweeping new tariffs, including a 104% levy on Chinese imports, which are expected to significantly impact Tesla and other U.S. companies that rely on international supply chains. Musk, who has recently advocated for "a zero-tariff situation," has expressed opposition to the policy shift.
Despite Musk's sharp criticism, Navarro downplayed the tension, saying during a Fox News appearance, There's "no rift here... everything's good with Elon." He also remarked, "We don't mind him saying whatever he wants... but the American people need to understand what that's all about."
The dispute drew commentary from both political and business figures. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer addressed the spat on the Senate floor: "The chaos within the Trump administration was shown a few minutes ago when Elon Musk called Peter Navarro... a moron. That's Musk's word."
Tesla has ranked at the top of Cars.com's American-Made Index since 2021. Musk reiterated that Tesla is "the most vertically integrated auto manufacturer in America with the highest percentage of U.S. content."
Musk also used the moment to mock Navarro's academic background, posting-and later deleting-a comment suggesting that Navarro's Harvard PhD is "a bad thing" and saying Navarro "hasn't built sh*t."
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attempted to defuse the episode during a press briefing, stating, "These are obviously two individuals who have very different views on trade and on tariffs. Boys will be boys, and we will let their public sparring continue." She added, "It also speaks to the president's willingness to hear from all sides."
Navarro, who served time in federal prison for contempt of Congress, remains a close Trump ally. One former Trump adviser told NBC News, "He went to jail for President Trump. I'm not sure how much more you could show loyalty." The adviser added, "If this turns out to be an all-out war, I very much doubt Peter is the one who is going to come out on the wrong end of it."
