President Trump's trade advisor has belittled Elon Musk, describing him as a 'car salesman' who is criticizing the new tariffs because they impact his business.
Peter Navarro was dismissive of Musk even as he disputed a 'rift' between them - just a day after the world's richest man targeted him on his social media platform, X.
'He's got X. He's got a big microphone. We don't mind him saying whatever he wants, but the American people need to understand that we know what this is all about,' Navarro said dismissively in an interview with Fox News.
'Elon, when he's in his DOGE lane, is great. But we understand what is going on here. Elon sells cars.'
The extraordinary swipe comes after Musk publicly criticized Trump's sweeping new tariffs, which have sparked stock market mayhem and global fears of a recession.
Navarro has been a staunch advocate of the tariffs and was said to be in Trump's ear as he hammered out the details of the new policy.