On social media, many viewers were stunned after Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro was slammed over his comments about Tesla manufacturing.
Elon Musk fires back after Peter Navarro criticizes Tesla’s foreign parts sourcing
Elon Musk has responded sharply to recent remarks made by Peter Navarro, a key adviser to former President Donald Trump.
Navarro criticized Tesla’s global supply chain, accusing Musk of relying on foreign parts to cut manufacturing costs. In response, Musk publicly blasted Navarro, calling him a “moron” and defending Tesla’s production practices.
Navarro’s criticism focuses on Tesla’s foreign-made components and assembly strategy
Speaking to CNBC, Navarro accused Tesla of being “just a car assembler.”
Navarro also said that key components like batteries and electronics were imported from Japan, China, and Taiwan.
“If you go to his Texas plant, a good part of the engines that he gets—which in the EV case is the batteries—come from Japan and China. The electronics come from Taiwan,” Navarro stated. “We want the tires made in Akron, the transmissions in Indianapolis, and the engines in Michigan. We want the cars manufactured here, in America.”
Additionally, Navarro emphasized his preference for U.S.-made parts, including tires from Ohio and engines from Michigan.
He argued that full domestic production is essential for national and economic security. Navarro likened Tesla’s model to German automakers using American workers for foreign engine assembly.
Elon Musk defends Tesla’s record as an American car manufacturer
Eon musk hits back at trump’s trade adviser after tesla comments spark public feud.
Musk swiftly hit back using his platform, X (formerly Twitter), which he owns.
Musk wrote: “Navarro is truly a moron. What he says here is demonstrably false,” Musk posted.
Additionally, he also claimed Tesla leads the industry in producing the most American-made cars.. Musk added: “Navarro is truly a moron. What he says here is demonstrably false.”
His comments were blunt and personal, reflecting his frustration with Navarro’s claims.
White House reacts to the clash between Musk and Navarro
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt downplayed the tension between the two public figures.
“These are obviously two individuals who have very different views on trade and tariffs,” she told reporters.
She described the public spat as “boys being boys.”
Leavitt suggested that the public spat did not reflect any official policy stance from the Biden administration.
She also emphasized that the disagreement was personal rather than political.
Navarro’s deeper concern is American jobs and manufacturing security
Navarro said America should not just assemble foreign parts in U.S. factories. He wants full production — from tires to engines — to happen inside the United States.
He acknowledged Musk’s role as an innovator but insisted national interests must come first.
“We want him home,” Navarro said of Musk. “We want him home for our national security, economic security, and everything’s good with Elon.”
He linked domestic manufacturing to national security and economic stability.
Their feud highlights growing tensions in the policy debate over tariffs and globalization.
While Musk touts Tesla’s leadership in domestic production metrics, Navarro insists that full localization—including batteries, electronics, and drivetrain components—is essential for long-term economic and national stability.