‘Boys Will Be Boys’: White House Reacts To Elon Musk-Peter Navarro Feud Over US Tariffs
Elon Musk called Trump adviser Peter Navarro a "moron" during their ongoing feud over tariff. The White House downplayed the clash, calling it a "difference of opinion".
The White House offered an unsual response and downplayed the ongoing public feud between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump's economic adviser Peter Navarro over US tariffs with the phrase, "boys will be boys".
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, when asked about her response to Tesla CEO Elon Musk slamming Navarro over tariff policy said, "Look, these are obviously two individuals who have very different views on trade and on tariffs," she said. "Boys will be boys, and we will let their public sparring continue.”
Leavitt added that the public nature of the feud showed the Trump administration’s transparency: "You guys should all be very grateful that we have the most transparent administration in history.It shows the Trump administration is transparent and willing to listen to diverse opinions," she said.
BREAKING: In a bizarre moment, Karoline Leavitt minimizes a vicious spat in which Elon Musk calls Trump Trade advisor Peter Navarro "dumber than a sack of bricks" and "a moron" with the saying "boys will be boys." Boys affecting 350 million people.pic.twitter.com/CtgSFCri26
— Really American 🇺🇸 (@ReallyAmerican1) April 8, 2025
Musk Vs Navarro Over US Tariffs
Elon Musk and Peter Navaroo have been hitting out at each over the sweeping new tariffs announced by Donald Trump. Musk had recently launched a stinging attack on the economic adviser, calling him a "moron" who is "dumber than a sack of bricks".
“Navarro is truly a moron,” Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, reacting to Navarro’s criticism. "What he says here is demonstrably false. Tesla has the most American-made cars. Navarro is dumber than a sack of bricks."
The tech billionaire's attack followed after Navarro commented about how Tesla makes its cars during an interview on CNBC. During the interview on Monday, Navarro criticised Musk's advocacy for "zero tariffs" between the US and Europe. He dismissed Musk as a "car assembler" who is dependent on imported parts.
Navarro also accused the tech billionaire of prioritising Tesla’s profits over national policy, after Musk slammed Trump administration’s sweeping tariffs. However, Navarro, in an interview with Fox News, dismissed any rift with Musk, but highlighted that the billionaire’s pushback on tariffs is self-serving.
"Elon when he’s in his DOGE lane is great, but we understand what’s going on here. Elon sells cars. He’s simply protecting his own interests," Navarro had said.
ALSO READ: India, China Should Stand Together To Face US Tariffs Abuse: Chinese Official
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