United States President Donald Trump has intensified his commitment to his tariffs plan, despite global stock markets experiencing significant declines. Emerging divisions within Trump’s team have been highlighted, particularly with key ally Elon Musk clashing with trade adviser Peter Navarro.

Musk questioned the value of Navarro’s Harvard Ph.D. in Economics, suggesting it isn’t an asset but a liability. Musk also expressed his preference for a “zero-tariff situation” between the US and Europe, aiming for a free-trade zone, despite Trump’s imposition of 20 percent tariffs on the European Union.

Musk confronts challenges in his businesses, particularly Tesla, whose sales in Europe have fallen dramatically. Navarro responded to Musk’s tariff criticisms, implying Musk’s views are influenced by his business interests, highlighting Tesla’s reliance on car exports. Previous warnings by Tesla regarding the adverse impact of tariffs on electric vehicle companies fell on deaf ears as Trump imposed additional tariffs, risking retaliatory measures from other countries.

Simultaneously, differing viewpoints on the future of tariffs have appeared within Trump’s administration. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick insisted on the permanence of at least the 10 percent baseline tariffs and the forthcoming higher levies. In contrast, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent disclosed that over 50 countries have sought negotiations to reduce these levies, suggesting a more nuanced approach to tariffs. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, however, remained ambiguous about the tariffs’ permanence when directly questioned.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/7/musk-vs-navarro-is-the-trump-team-divided-on-tariffs?traffic_source=rss