Overview

• Elon Musk publicly criticized Peter Navarro, calling him a 'moron' and 'dumber than a sack of bricks,' after Navarro claimed Tesla relies heavily on foreign parts and is more of a 'car assembler' than a 'manufacturer.'
• Navarro's comments on CNBC emphasized a preference for fully domestically sourced components, contrasting with Tesla's use of some imported materials for batteries and electronics.
• Musk defended Tesla's manufacturing credentials, stating it produces the most American-made cars and is the most vertically integrated auto manufacturer in the U.S.
• The feud underscores broader disagreements within the Trump administration over the impact of sweeping tariffs aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing.
• Tesla executives have reiterated that significant portions of the company's production, including battery cells and drive units, are performed in U.S. facilities like Giga Texas and Giga Nevada.