Elon Musk, a onetime star in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, has talked about his vision for a “zero-tariff” agreement, a stance that goes against the White House’s recent movements.
“Look who just declared war on tariffs,” an observer noted, pointing to Musk’s latest remarks calling for a “free trade zone” between the US and Europe.
Complicating matters, Musk also made comments on White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, saying he “ain’t built sh*t.”
Administration officials close to Trump have privately expressed discomfort, recalling Musk’s unpredictable social media posts that have at times diverged sharply from the official line.
Musk’s short-term status as a “special government employee” was originally heralded as a chance to slash bureaucratic waste and streamline government operations. An insider described how that “slash and burn” style won early praise but left many cabinet members anxious. The tension spiked after a conservative judge whom Musk supported lost a key Wisconsin Supreme Court race by a wide margin, triggering concern that Musk’s political involvement was becoming a liability.
Behind the scenes, Trump reportedly hoped to keep Musk in his administration indefinitely, but his aides balked at the notion, especially after learning that Musk might be briefed on classified war scenarios. Several officials worried about possible conflicts of interest, given Musk’s private sector ambitions and vast business enterprises.
READ: Time’s Up for Elon: Trump Confidants Reveal Musk’s Imminent Departure
Trump has publicly praised Musk, calling him “a patriot” and “a friend of mine,” yet confidants say both men eventually agreed that Musk should return to the private sector. Some insiders insist that speculation of a rift has been exaggerated, citing Musk’s own dismissal of rumors as “fake news.”
Others, however, claim the strain is real, pointing to Musk’s more brazen statements about trade and industry as evidence that his priorities no longer align neatly with the administration’s.
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