As Trump doubles down on tariffs amid the US-China trade war, Elon Musk reportedly urges a rollback, calling for free trade and warning of economic fallout.
April 8, 2025: Elon Musk and Donald Trump may be close allies in the political spotlight, but their latest disagreement over economic policy has stirred public and private tension. According to a report by The Washington Post, Musk made a personal appeal to President Trump to roll back the controversial 50% tariff hike on Chinese imports — but so far, his efforts have failed.
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The Tesla CEO, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), even engaged in private talks with Trump, but sources say his opposition has not swayed the President’s stance.
📉 Musk’s Caution, Market Jitters
Following Trump’s tariff threat, Musk posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) of economist Milton Friedman explaining the virtues of global trade — a clear, though subtle, message disapproving Trump’s direction.
Musk also emphasized his support for a “zero-tariff” world, telling Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini over the weekend that his advice to President Trump was to eliminate trade barriers, especially between the US and Europe.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 7, 2025
🚘 Tariffs & Tesla’s Troubles
Musk’s concerns are far from theoretical. Tesla, which depends heavily on supply chains in China and exports to global markets, has been hit hard by recent market shocks. On Monday, Tesla shares dipped 2.5%, closing at $233.29 — contributing to a staggering 38% drop in value this year.
During Trump’s previous term, Musk had filed a lawsuit against Chinese import tariffs that impacted Tesla’s operations — and history appears to be repeating itself.
💬 Clashes Inside the Admin
Musk’s break with Trump over tariffs marks one of the most high-profile disagreements in the current administration. In a fiery X post, Musk also took aim at Trump’s adviser Peter Navarro, mocking his Harvard economics degree while reposting a video clip.
Despite the public tensions, the White House defended Navarro, calling Trump’s team “remarkably experienced.” However, Musk’s comments suggest deeper friction as he nears the end of his tenure as DOGE chief.
📉 Broader Impact: Trade War Escalates
Trump’s plan to impose additional tariffs, unless China reverses its retaliatory 34% duties, has sent shockwaves through global markets, intensified recession fears, and triggered sell-offs in Asia and on Wall Street.
As China calls the move “blackmail” and promises to fight “till the end,” voices like Musk’s urging restraint could become crucial in reshaping the global trade narrative.
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Elon Musk, Donald Trump, US China trade war, tariffs, Tesla stock crash, Milton Friedman, Peter Navarro, US economy, global recession, White House, zero tariff, Elon Musk Trump meeting, US import duties, free trade, DOGE service, Musk political stance, Tesla China impact