Musk took a shot at Navarro and his Harvard University degree over the weekend, in which he was critical of Navarro’s argument that President Donald Trump’s tariffs are meant to solve the trade deficits the United States has with other countries. When asked about this and if there is any rift internally within the administration, Navarro contended that Tesla, owned by Musk, has “big parts of that car” coming from foreign countries like Mexico and China, and Musk’s criticism stems from him “protecting his own interest.”
“We’re more concerned about Detroit building Cadillacs with American engines, and that’s what this is all about,” Navarro stated on Fox News’s Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, guest-hosted by Jackie DeAngelis. “So it’s fine, there’s no rift here. Look, Elon, he’s got X, he’s got a big microphone, we don’t mind him saying whatever he wants, but the American people need to understand that we understand what that’s all about, and it’s fine. It’s fine.”
Navarro also addressed the recently implemented auto tariffs by the Trump administration, in which he condemned the “irresponsible” temporary layoffs by Stellantis from this past week. He suggested Stellantis should instead focus on getting its auto parts factories “ramped back up.”
Navarro also criticized Stellantis for getting most of its engines from Italy, which he deemed unacceptable. He argued it was the auto factories of Detroit, Michigan, that aided the U.S. during World War II.
SCOTT BESSENT ‘REJECTS ASSUMPTION’ OF AN IMPENDING RECESSION
Going forward, Navarro predicted more auto industries would “flock” to the country, adding that those who act first will make “the highest profits.”
Last month, ahead of the auto tariffs going into effect, Hyundai’s CEO said its newly opened Georgia plant would increase vehicle production by 67%. Since then, General Motors is also looking to increase production in Indiana.
