Elon Musk linked to designing Trump's global tariffs, sparking speculation
Elon Musk claims credit for Trump's tariff design
Elon Musk, widely known for his role at Tesla and SpaceX, is now claiming credit for being the architect behind President Donald Trump’s latest wave of global tariffs.
Musk played a key role in calculating the tariff percentages using trade deficit numbers—a method that contrasts sharply with the approach favored by former economic adviser Peter Navarro. The new tariffs, which are set to impact virtually every major economy, have stirred considerable controversy. Musk, who has maintained a low public profile regarding his involvement, recently urged the creation of a zero-tariff free-trade zone between the United States and Europe. His proposal was directed at Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini during a video link appearance, where he also advocated for increased worker mobility between the two regions, reports Cryptopolitan.
Influence, criticism, and market implications
Musk’s influence in Trump’s administration has grown since he began advising from within the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E.), a temporary setup funded by his own contributions to Trump’s campaign. While Musk publicly supports the tariff strategy, his role has not gone without criticism. Mark Cuban directly challenged Musk’s approach on social media, questioning whether protective tariffs were necessary given the strength of private capital and government incentives. Cuban also warned that the aggressive tariff policy, designed to force the Federal Reserve into lowering interest rates by tanking the economy, could backfire by stoking inflation further.
With Musk expected to step away from his White House advisory role after his 130-day stint, the debate over his lasting impact on U.S. trade policy is far from over. As the administration moves forward with its tariff plans, market watchers and policymakers will closely monitor whether Musk’s blueprint can sustain economic growth without triggering a prolonged inflationary spiral.
