• Peter Navarro claims his relationship with Elon Musk is "great" despite recent insults.
• Musk called Navarro a "moron" amidst their disagreement over tariff policies.
• Navarro defends his stance on tariffs while criticizing Musk's reliance on foreign auto parts.
• The White House downplays the spat as an example of differing views on trade.
• Vandalism against Tesla properties has been linked to protests against Musk's policies.

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro stated that his relationship with tech billionaire Elon Musk is "great" after Musk referred to him as a "moron" during a public dispute over President Trump's tariff strategies. In an interview on NBC News’s Meet the Press, Navarro insisted, "It's not an issue," responding to questions about the ongoing conflict between them, which has arisen due to their differing views on tariffs and trade policies, according to The Hill.

Despite Musk's derogatory remarks suggesting that Navarro was "dumber than a sack of bricks,” Navarro dismissed the insults, stating, "I've been called worse." He emphasized that there is no personal conflict and praised Musk's contributions to America, highlighting his handling of issues like "waste, fraud and abuse," according to Reuters.

The public disagreement intensified when Navarro commented that Musk is not a true car manufacturer but a "car assembler," pointing out Tesla's reliance on imported parts from various countries. Musk retorted that this assessment was incorrect, arguing that Tesla produces the most American-made vehicles. In response to the ongoing dispute, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked that their differing viewpoints on tariffs exemplify the transparency of the administration, stating, "Boys will be boys," according to India Times.

Navarro asserted that seeking "zero tariffs" brings minimal benefit to the American public and criticized non-tariff barriers and currency manipulation, which he considers major obstacles to fair trade. His comments reflect a broader concern over how foreign trade dynamics impact American manufacturing, according to HuffPost.

Lastly, recent reports indicate that Tesla has experienced vandalism at its dealerships, allegedly stemming from protests against Musk's right-wing activism and policies. Such incidents have highlighted the tensions surrounding Musk's leadership and business practices amidst the current political climate, according to Reuters.