Peter Navarro, trade adviser to former President Donald Trump, raised eyebrows with his recent comments on CNBC. He even audaciously called Tesla a “sack of bricks car maker.” His comments Monday largely zeroed in on the automotive company’s overdependence on parts produced overseas, especially in China.
Navarro, known for his staunch loyalty to Trump, aimed to underscore the administration’s tariff policy designed to promote American manufacturing. In one particularly cringe-inducing moment during the interview, he asserted that Tesla imported nearly all its components from outside the US. He made the case that this practice undermines Trump’s desire to promote more domestic production.
The trade adviser clearly stated his wish for the day when automobile parts are produced in America. “We need to bring back manufacturing jobs,” Navarro asserted, emphasizing the importance of reducing dependency on foreign suppliers. His comments were in the context of a larger discussion about Trump’s tariffs, which he feels would strengthen American industry.
This is how Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, responded to Navarro’s accusations the next day on Twitter. He made short work of Navarro’s claims, countering them point by point as “demonstrably false.” Musk defended Tesla’s operations by highlighting the company’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing.
“By any definition whatsoever, Tesla is the most vertically integrated auto manufacturer in America with the highest percentage of US content.” – Elon Musk
Musk’s rebuttal came against the backdrop of Navarro’s recent legal troubles. He was jailed for refusing to comply with a subpoena from a House committee investigating alleged attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. This controversy adds an additional layer of complexity to Navarro’s criticisms of Tesla and his support for Trump’s policies.
Navarro’s comments were perceived as an argument in favor of Trump’s tariff strategy, which aims to protect American industries from foreign competition. Musk’s defense focuses on Tesla’s massive bet on local production being the key to defense. This investment is an affirmation of the company’s long-held commitment to American manufacturing.