Over the weekend, Elon Musk took to social media in a fiery campaign against the White House’s new tariff measures, specifically targeting one of President Donald Trump’s top advisers. But behind the scenes, Musk was going even further — making personal appeals directly to Trump in a bid to stop the sweeping economic move.
“A PhD in Econ from Harvard is a bad thing, not a good thing.” – Elon Musk criticizing a top White House adviser
Despite Musk’s efforts, Trump stood firm, and on Monday, he threatened to impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports, intensifying the ongoing trade war. This comes on top of the 34% tariffs announced last week.
Musk’s Message: Support Free Trade, Not Economic Isolation
In a widely shared post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk shared a vintage video of economist Milton Friedman, emphasizing the benefits of international trade and what Friedman called the “impersonal operation of prices.”
The message was clear: trade brings cooperation and efficiency — and protectionist policies could harm the very economy they intend to protect.
“The story of a pencil shows how global trade builds innovation — not isolation.” – Milton Friedman (via Musk’s post)
Read Also: ‘Economic Nuclear War’: Billionaires Warn Trump’s Tariffs Could Spark Recession
Why Elon Musk Is Concerned
As the CEO of Tesla, Musk’s opposition is rooted in business reality. Tesla relies heavily on international supply chains, with both China and the U.S. being key markets for production and sales. The new tariffs on Chinese imports could lead to:
- Increased production costs
- Higher consumer prices
- Slower growth for the electric vehicle market
This is not the first time Musk has opposed tariffs. In 2020, Tesla filed a lawsuit challenging similar measures.
Business Leaders Begin to Push Back
Musk isn’t alone. A growing number of tech and business leaders who supported Trump’s campaign are now voicing their concern.
An informal coalition has reportedly formed to lobby the administration for softer trade policies, hoping that officials like Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent might help moderate Trump’s aggressive stance. But other insiders, such as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, seem to be supporting the protectionist shift.
Global Markets React: Economic ‘Nuclear War’?
The impact of these tariffs is already rippling through the economy:
- 📉 Stock markets in Asia and Europe have dipped significantly.
- 📊 Economists warn of increased inflation and possible recession.
- 💸 Experts say the average American household could face rising costs.
“We’re on the brink of an economic nuclear war,” said one top market analyst. “If these tariffs go through, the fallout will be global.”
Trump Stands Firm, Despite Warnings
While Trump has left the door open for negotiations with other nations, he has shown no signs of backing down on China.
“We will not be taken advantage of,” Trump said in a press statement, reaffirming his stance on protecting American industries.
In response, China has threatened retaliation, vowing to “fight to the end” if the U.S. follows through on its proposed tariff hikes.
Conclusion: A Growing Rift Between Allies
Elon Musk’s bold attempts to reverse the tariff policy mark a significant shift in the dynamics between Trump and his business backers. With the global economy at stake, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether reason or rhetoric will prevail.
