Musk again distances himself from Trump tariffs by scoffing at Lutnick’s attempt to explain duties on penguin island

Summary

Elon Musk distanced himself from Trump’s tariff policy, criticizing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and trade adviser Peter Navarro.

CNBC reported Musk lost over $30bn since the tariffs were announced, amid stock market volatility and falling futures.

That financial hit may explain his sharp jabs at officials defending the policy. Musk advocated for a U.S.–EU "zero tariff" trade zone, diverging from Trump’s approach.

Meanwhile, protests against Musk and Trump escalated, and Musk’s political spending failed to sway key elections.