Overview

• Peter Navarro, a key architect of Donald Trump’s protectionist trade policies, is driving an aggressive tariff strategy aimed at China in his role as commerce and industry advisor.
• Elon Musk has publicly criticized Navarro, calling him a 'crétin' and questioning his expertise, reflecting internal tensions within Trump’s administration over trade policies.
• Navarro, who served four months in prison in 2024 for refusing to cooperate with the Capitol riot investigation, has regained Trump’s trust and influence in shaping economic policy.
• His longstanding anti-China stance, exemplified in his book 'Death by China,' continues to influence U.S. trade policy, despite skepticism about his methods and credibility.
• As global markets react to escalating trade tensions, Navarro’s policies are drawing scrutiny from both domestic and international stakeholders, highlighting the divisive impact of Trump’s economic strategies.