Elon Musk’s Hidden Hand Behind Trump’s Tariff Policies
Elon Musk, known for his out-of-the-box thinking, seems to be deeply involved in the U.S. administration’s latest wave of tariffs, a move that has shaken global markets and raised eyebrows across the world.
While President Donald Trump has taken the public spotlight, it is now apparent that Elon Musk has played a significant, though subtle, role in shaping these tariffs, which are expected to impact nations globally.
Although Musk has never directly stated it, his fingerprints are all over the numbers and strategies behind the tariffs according to Cryptopolitan. As the head of the “Department of Government Efficiency” (D.O.G.E.), a department Trump created in which Musk has held an influential position since January, it’s clear that the Tesla and SpaceX CEO’s influence extends beyond just the technology and energy sectors. Musk’s involvement with the White House dates back to his hefty financial contributions to Trump’s 2020 campaign, solidifying his role as one of Trump’s closest allies.
Elon’s Quiet Influence in the White House
Though Musk has largely kept his thoughts on the tariffs under wraps, his influence behind closed doors is undeniable. He’s made several private trips to the Oval Office, offering advice on U.S. economic policy, including trade. While Trump has hinted that Musk may leave the White House soon, he remains a key figure in shaping the administration’s economic moves, particularly the tariffs.
Musk’s subtle involvement was evident when he appeared virtually at a gathering of Italy’s right-wing League party. There, he advocated for a “zero-tariff” free trade zone between Europe and the United States, speaking directly to Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini. Musk also suggested increased worker mobility between the U.S. and Europe, which, though unrelated to tariffs, further emphasized his push for more open trade policies.
Musk vs. Navarro: A Clash of Economic Visions
Despite supporting Trump’s broad trade agenda, Musk has not shied away from criticizing key figures within the administration. This includes Peter Navarro, Trump’s former economic adviser, who has been a staunch advocate for extreme tariffs in the past. In a pointed comment on X, Musk derided Navarro’s Harvard degree, calling it “a bad thing” and taking aim at his lack of real-world business experience. Musk’s remarks highlight his desire to distance himself from Navarro’s policies and suggest that the tariffs being introduced now have his unique strategy behind them.
Mark Cuban Weighs In on Musk’s Role
Mark Cuban, the billionaire entrepreneur, has openly challenged Musk’s role in the tariffs. Cuban asked Musk on X if he truly needed tariffs to manufacture products in the U.S., pointing out that Musk’s success came from private capital, government incentives, and Musk’s own investments, rather than protective trade measures.
Cuban further commented on Musk’s strategy with tariffs, suggesting that if Musk’s goal is to reduce the trade deficit, then the path of least resistance would be to make dramatic cuts and implement tariffs to push for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut. However, Cuban cautioned that the inflationary effects of such drastic tariffs could hinder the economy rather than help it. With the potential for further inflation and slower economic growth, Cuban argued, the strategy may be too risky in the long run.
The Long-Term Effects of Tariffs
While Elon Musk’s exact role in the tariff strategy remains somewhat under wraps, the unfolding economic consequences are becoming more apparent. The new tariffs, particularly those affecting U.S. trading partners, may have a profound impact on inflation and global economic stability. As Musk pushes for change, his role in reshaping U.S. trade policy will continue to evolve, with long-term implications for both the global economy and the American marketplace.
As we await the full repercussions of these tariffs, one thing is clear: Elon Musk is not merely a bystander in the administration’s economic decisions—he’s a key player in shaping the future of U.S. trade policy.
Kosta Gushterov
Reporter at Coindoo
Kosta has been a part of the team since 2021 and has solidified his position with a thirst for knowledge, incredible dedication to his work and a "detective-like" mindset. He not only covers a wide range of trending topics, he also creates reviews, PR articles and educational content. His work has also been referenced by other news outlets.
