Elon Musk reacts to Trump’s surprising decision to impose tariffs on remote, uninhabited islands, sparking confusion and debate.
President Donald Trump’s new global tariff policy has sparked backlash—and confusion.
The latest controversy? Tariffs on uninhabited islands.
Among those criticizing the move is Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who couldn’t resist mocking the White House over what many see as an embarrassing oversight.
Trump’s tariff policy is sparking confusion around the world
President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on all foreign imports.
The baseline is 10 percent, with higher rates for select countries. China, Cambodia, and the European Union are facing sharply increased custom tariffs. The administration claims the move will protect American industries and stop “foreign pillaging.”
But not everyone agrees. Economists warn the tariffs could raise prices on everyday goods.
Others are puzzled by the list of affected regions—especially the inclusion of the Heard and McDonald Islands.
The heard and McDonald islands have no people, only penguins
The Heard and McDonald Islands lie in the southern Indian Ocean. They are part of Australian territory.
No humans live there. The only residents? Penguins. Lots of them. Colonies of gentoo, king, macaroni, and rockhopper penguins populate the frozen landscape.
That didn’t stop the Trump administration from including them in its list of tariffed regions.
The reason, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, is to close potential loopholes. “If you leave anything off the list,” Lutnick said, “other countries might exploit it to bypass our tariffs.”
Elon Musk calls the tariffs ridiculous—and so do many others
Elon Musk responded to the news online with laughter. Literally. He posted a laughing emoji with the comment: “This is funny.” Others joined in. One user joked, “Even the penguins don’t get a break—they gotta pay too!” Another added, “Should you add Batman to DOGE if The Penguin’s the issue?”
Musk has long supported free trade and previously called for a tariff-free European Union. His response to the penguin tariff wasn’t just humor—it may also be personal.
Tesla shares recently fell by over nine percent. Some blame Commerce Secretary Lutnick, who once claimed Tesla’s stock “would never be this cheap again.” Clearly, it got cheaper.
Officials admit the penguin tariff was likely a mistake
Australian leaders were also quick to mock the bizarre tariff decision.
Additionally, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese quipped, “Nowhere on Earth is safe.” Trade Minister Don Farrell called the move “a mistake” caused by a rushed process.
While the White House stands by its policy, critics say the administration failed to review the tariff list carefully.
Others question whether loopholes on empty islands even matter. Is a nation really going to reroute global trade through penguin territory?
Trump’s trade strategy faces criticism from friends and foes alike
Trump’s economic plan—dubbed “Trumpenomics” by critics—continues to divide public opinion. Supporters say it protects American jobs. Detractors call it chaotic and poorly planned.
Even Trump allies like Musk are now publicly questioning the details.
As for the Heard and McDonald Islands, it seems the penguins are now unexpected players in the global trade war. They don’t have lobbyists, ports, or even people.
But thanks to Trump’s tariffs, they’ve become a strange new symbol of what happens when economic policy meets political spectacle.