Reports have emerged in the US media highlighting the “tariff rift” between Musk and Trump’s advisor Navarro, indicating a discord within the Trump administration on tariffs.

Following the announcement of new customs tariff rates by US President Donald Trump on April 2nd, causing market turmoil due to the escalating “trade war”, news reports have suggested a division within the Trump administration on tariffs. According to a report by Business Insider titled “Elon Musk’s tariff feud with Trump’s senior trade advisor takes an ugly turn”, billionaire entrepreneur and Trump advisor Elon Musk does not agree with the tariff-friendly stance of White House Chief Strategic Advisor and Senior Advisor Peter Navarro. Musk took to his social media platform X on Saturday to express his dissent, implying at Navarro’s academic background by stating, “Having an econ doctorate from Harvard is not a good thing, it’s not.” He also mentioned that this situation leads to ego issues, which is problematic. Navarro, a graduate of Tufts University followed by a master’s degree in public administration and a doctorate in economics from Harvard University, responded to Musk’s remarks on a Fox News program on Sunday, where he defended Musk by pointing out that he is simply “selling cars” through his company Tesla, safeguarding his own interests, like any other businessperson would. Navarro emphasized that there is no rift between them.

Known for having differing views on customs tariffs and free trade compared to Trump and his administration, Musk publicly advocated for a “free trade zone” between Europe and the US at a meeting of Italy’s League Party on Saturday. He expressed his desire to see a situation with zero tariffs and stressed the necessity for a “free trade zone” between Europe and the US. Musk also disclosed that he has suggested to Trump to allow more migration between Europe and the US for work opportunities, stating, “If people want to work in Europe or North America, they should be allowed to according to my perspective.”

Currently serving in the Government Efficiency Department of the Trump administration, Musk’s future within the administration remains uncertain. US Vice President JD Vance mentioned in an interview on Fox News on Thursday that Musk will continue his advisory role after completing his duties in the department. Trump, in a statement to journalists on the same day, expressed that he expects Musk to leave his administrative role “within a few months” but desires him to stay for “as long as possible.” The White House had previously stated in February that Musk served as a “special government employee” in the US administration, which has a limitation of serving for more than 130 days within a year according to federal laws.