**Elon Musk Slams Trump's Trade Adviser Over Tesla Manufacturing Claims**

**In a heated exchange on social media, Elon Musk pushed back against Peter Navarro's claims, affirming Tesla's status as a leading American manufacturer while criticizing the implications of Trump's tariff policies.**

 

Elon Musk has sparked controversy with his recent remarks directed at Peter Navarro, a trade adviser to former President Donald Trump, labeling him a "moron" and asserting that he is "dumber than a sack of bricks" in response to Navarro's comments regarding Tesla. This confrontation emerged following an interview where Navarro referred to Tesla merely as a "car assembler," asserting that the company's reliance on foreign-made parts undermines its manufacturing status.

During the CNBC interview, Navarro elaborated on Trump's tariffs, which are intended to bolster American manufacturing, suggesting a push for increased domestic production of parts used in vehicles. Musk responded swiftly, arguing that Navarro's characterization of Tesla was "demonstrably false," and referenced an article from Kelley Blue Book that indicates Tesla vehicles possess the highest percentage of US-made parts among automakers.

Despite Musk's assertions, analysts note that Tesla, like many of its counterparts, sources a significant portion of its components from outside the United States, especially from China. Industry expert Dan Ives remarked that while Tesla is less impacted by tariffs compared to traditional automakers such as GM and Ford, the global supply chain disruption caused by such policies could still pose challenges for the company.

Musk has previously warned that tariffs could disrupt not only Tesla but also the broader economy. Additionally, prominent Trump supporter Bill Ackman called for a pause in tariff implementation to prevent global economic turmoil, suggesting that current plans could inflict "unnecessary harm."

Navarro, known for his unwavering loyalty to Trump, has faced legal challenges linked to his actions surrounding the 2020 election and remains a key figure in shaping the former president’s trade strategy. While the future of tariffs and their impact on industries remains uncertain, Musk's vehement defense of Tesla's manufacturing practices highlights the growing tensions between the tech industry and political rhetoric surrounding trade policies.