Elon Musk has accused a top Trump adviser of being a “moron” as the row over the new US tariffs grows. Musk, who is an outspoken critic of the president’s trade policy, has long been against the new import tariffs introduced by Donald Trump, which he believes could damage businesses and consumers.
The current tariff war has put Musk’s Tesla in the firing line, with the billionaire threatening that increased tariffs would result in higher costs for his electric car firm, making it more difficult for consumers to pay for his vehicles. His latest comments follow the Trump administration announcing further duties on Chinese imports, which outraged tech leaders and business tycoons such as Musk.
The fiery exchange comes as the rift between Musk and some of the president’s top advisers widens, as global trade tensions escalate. Musk has long been a proponent of free trade and cautioned that such tariffs could destabilize the US economy by increasing the price of goods.
As the tariff war rages on, the effect on leading industries, such as autos and technology, continues to be a source of worry. Musk’s vocal opposition to these tariffs might indicate a widening rift between Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. on matters of trade policy.