In an unexpected turn of events, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, a long-time supporter of President Donald Trump, has openly criticized the president’s tariff policy, urging him to listen to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s stance on the issue.
Shapiro’s comments mark a striking shift from his usual support, as he bluntly stated that Musk is “100 percent right” about the need to overhaul the current tariff strategy.
Ben Shapiro’s Surprising Shift on Tariffs
On Monday, Shapiro sharply broke from his previous alignment with Trump’s trade advisor, Peter Navarro, who has been a staunch advocate for tariffs as a tool for economic leverage.
Shapiro made it clear that he believes Musk’s proposal for zero tariffs with global trade partners would benefit the U.S. economy, and urged Trump to “take the win” and end the tariffs altogether.
Shapiro argued that the approach Musk suggested would demonstrate American strength while also being economically beneficial for the country.
“Musk is right,” Shapiro emphasized. “Zero tariffs across the board would be good for the economy, good for Trump, and good for America.”
Musk and Navarro Engage in Public Feud Over Trade Policy
This commentary from Shapiro comes amidst a heated public dispute between Musk and Navarro.
The two have been at odds since the White House rolled out Trump’s controversial reciprocal tariff policy, which has sparked market instability and raised concerns about a potential recession.
Musk has been vocal about his opposition to these tariffs, instead advocating for zero tariffs with key trade partners.
Musk’s criticism of Navarro has been particularly sharp, with the Tesla CEO dismissing Navarro’s economic credentials.
Musk even mocked Navarro’s Harvard PhD in economics, calling it a “bad thing” and claiming that it resulted in an “ego/brains” problem.
Navarro, however, fired back by downplaying Musk’s criticisms and accusing him of self-interest due to his company’s reliance on global supply chains.
Shapiro Doubts the Effectiveness of Tariffs
Shapiro has consistently voiced concerns about the effectiveness of tariffs, calling them a “giant tax increase” on American consumers.
He has also criticized the way the tariffs were implemented, arguing that the sudden announcement, without a clear plan or solid justification, opened the door for widespread backlash.
According to Shapiro, tariffs are a bad economic policy when they don’t lead to the desired goal of zero tariffs.
Shapiro’s criticism goes beyond just the economic implications; he also questioned the political motives behind the tariff policies, pointing out that Trump’s recent actions, such as taxing uninhabited territories, have made him vulnerable to ridicule.
Elon Musk’s Growing Influence on Trump Administration
Musk’s influence on Trump’s decision-making has been a subject of growing speculation.
Some have even wondered whether Musk’s close ties to the administration are leading him to shape policies, with Musk himself fueling such rumors.
From sharing cryptic posts on social media to making strategic comments during key moments, Musk has made it clear that he’s not shy about using his platform to make waves.
Meanwhile, reports have suggested that Musk’s presence in the White House has caused friction with several of Trump’s staff, particularly Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, who reportedly found Musk’s behavior disrespectful.
However, Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, quickly dismissed claims of a rift, asserting that Musk would depart from his role as a special government employee once his work at his company, DOGE, is completed.
Trump’s Relationship With Musk: Speculation and Controversy
As tensions continue to rise over trade policy, the relationship between Trump and Musk remains a topic of ongoing speculation.
Some insiders suggest that Musk’s early departure from his government position might signal a break in his influence, but official sources continue to downplay these rumors.
With all eyes on Musk, Trump, and their respective policies, the debate over tariffs is far from settled.
As Shapiro and others urge the president to reconsider his stance, the political landscape surrounding trade policy remains as volatile as ever.
