Musk Brothers Criticize Trump's 10% Tariffs, Call for Zero Tariff Policy

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has directly appealed to President Trump to revoke the new tariffs imposed on various goods, but his efforts have not yet been successful. Musk's younger brother, Kimbal, also took to social media to criticize the tariffs, describing them as a "structural, permanent" issue that could have significant economic implications. This public stance by the Musk brothers marks a notable divergence from the Trump administration's policies, as Musk had previously been cautious about directly criticizing the president's tariff push.

The tariffs, which have been a central part of Trump's economic agenda, have sparked controversy and concern among business leaders and economists. Musk's appeal to Trump comes at a time when the tariffs are starting to have a global impact, with a 10% tax on imports now in effect. The president has shown little indication of backing down despite the mounting pressure, and his commitment to tariffs could have far-reaching consequences for international trade and the global economy.

Musk's public criticism of the tariffs is significant because it highlights the growing divide between the business community and the Trump administration. Musk, who has been a vocal advocate for innovation and technological advancement, has expressed hope for a "zero tariff" policy, which would eliminate the barriers to trade and promote economic growth. However, his appeal to Trump has not yet resulted in any changes to the tariff policies, indicating that the administration remains steadfast in its approach.

The tariffs have also drawn criticism from other prominent figures, including billionaire Ken Langone, who has described them as a threat to international trade and a risk to market stability. The Supreme Court has recently lifted an order blocking the Trump administration from deporting Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act, but the tariffs remain a contentious issue.

As the tariffs continue to be a point of contention, it remains to be seen whether Musk's appeal to Trump will have any impact on the administration's policies. The situation underscores the complex relationship between the business community and the government, as well as the potential consequences of trade policies on the global economy. Musk's intervention has not yet been successful, but Trump has indicated a willingness to negotiate on some policy aspects. Meanwhile, Musk posted a video on X platform featuring the late conservative economist Milton Friedman. In the video, Friedman emphasized the benefits of international trade cooperation, describing it as the "impersonal operation of prices," and using a regular wooden pencil as an example to analyze its various raw materials' global sources.