• Elon Musk posts a video of economist Milton Friedman criticizing tariffs.
• The clip advocates for free trade, coinciding with Trump's tariff policies.
• Musk calls for a "zero-tariff" relationship between the US and Europe.
• His remarks come amid economic concerns as markets react to the tariffs.
• Musk has distanced himself from Trump's inner circle, criticizing key advisors.

In a bold move, Elon Musk shared a video featuring renowned economist Milton Friedman on social media platform X, questioning the validity of current tariff policies under President Donald Trump. The video, which highlights the benefits of free trade through the intricate production process of a pencil, has been interpreted as a direct critique of Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs that have been under scrutiny for their negative impact on the market, as reported by Newsweek.

Musk's post has garnered significant attention, reaching over six million views shortly after posting, illustrating the public's engagement with the ongoing economic discourse. Commenting on the precarious state of the markets due to Trump's tariffs, Musk recently expressed a desire for a "zero-tariff system" and a "free trade zone" between the United States and Europe. His call for reduced trade barriers comes amid increasing fears of a recession and rising consumer prices, exacerbated by tariff policies, according to Business Insider.

Musk's criticisms have not only been aimed at tariffs but have also included pointed comments towards Trump's primary trade advisor, Peter Navarro. Musk dismissed Navarro's esteemed academic credentials, suggesting that they indicated an inflated ego rather than sound economic judgement. This public rift marks a significant shift in Musk's relationship with the Trump administration, as he has been a vocal supporter in the past, noted The New York Times.

Despite Musk's calls for changing the tariff status quo, the White House has thus far remained unresponsive. The broader implications of Musk's statements reflect a growing discontent among various economic stakeholders regarding Trump's trade policies, especially as they threaten to plunge markets into instability. As described by JPMorgan's CEO, the concerns over stagflation suggest that the incoming economic challenges could necessitate a reassessment of current strategies surrounding tariffs and international trade.