Here’s what the White House had to say about it.
The clash between Elon Musk and Peter Navarro may have turned heads, but the Trump administration says it’s just more proof of how transparent and results-driven this White House really is.
White House: ‘Strong Opinions Welcome Under President Trump’
In a fiery but revealing exchange, Tesla CEO Elon Musk and White House trade advisor Peter Navarro publicly sparred over tariffs and U.S. manufacturing policy. Musk, a vocal supporter of President Donald J. Trump’s economic vision, didn’t mince words after Navarro downplayed Tesla’s role as a U.S. manufacturer.
“Navarro is truly mistaken. Tesla produces the most American-made vehicles on the market,” Musk wrote on the social platform X. His comments were in direct response to Navarro, who had claimed Tesla is more of a “car assembler” using parts from overseas suppliers.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the controversy head-on during a press briefing, saying the disagreement is a natural part of an administration that welcomes diverse perspectives.
“These are two strong patriots with strong views,” Leavitt said. “This kind of back-and-forth is a feature, not a bug, of the most transparent administration in U.S. history. Americans deserve to hear these debates in the open.”
Elon Musk Defends Tesla’s ‘Made in America’ Legacy
Musk doubled down, stating Tesla’s major manufacturing hubs in California and Texas give it a higher percentage of American content than any other automaker.
“Tesla is the most vertically integrated car manufacturer in the U.S.,” Musk wrote. “We don’t just assemble — we build.”
While the company sources some parts globally, the core of its production and innovation takes place on U.S. soil. That’s crucial as President Trump’s new 25% auto tariffs take effect, designed to bring manufacturing home and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
Navarro Says Musk ‘Should Stay in His Lane’ – But the White House Disagrees
Navarro, in an interview on Fox News’s “Sunday Morning Futures,” responded by saying Musk was “great when he’s in his DOGE lane,” but criticized his push for a tariff-free trade relationship with Europe.
“Musk may know tech, but he doesn’t understand trade,” Navarro said.
Still, the White House made clear that President Trump values independent thinking and healthy internal debate — even at the highest levels of government.
Leavitt: ‘President Trump Listens, Then Leads’
“This president listens to all sides,” Leavitt emphasized. “He takes input, evaluates every angle, and then makes decisions based on what’s best for American workers, American businesses, and American families.”
That willingness to hear conflicting viewpoints has been a defining trait of Trump’s leadership style — one that resonates deeply with many Americans, especially amid today’s turbulent economic and geopolitical climate.
What It Means for You: Jobs, Tariffs, and America’s Future
The public feud comes on the heels of Trump’s latest tariff rollout, which aims to protect U.S. auto manufacturing and level the playing field against foreign competitors.
For everyday Americans, the message is clear: this administration is serious about putting America First — even if it means weathering criticism or internal disputes.
Final Thought: Debate Isn’t Division — It’s Strength
Rather than see the Musk-Navarro fight as a liability, the Trump team is embracing it as a sign of strength — proof that serious decisions are being made in the open, not behind closed doors.