Watch: White House Addresses Elon Musk and Peter Navarro’s Public Feud

When asked about the escalating spat between two of Donald Trump’s top officials, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt managed to turn a tense moment into a strategic message.

Elon Musk, the outspoken billionaire currently serving as the head of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, has taken to his platform X to criticize senior trade adviser Peter Navarro. The online exchanges have drawn widespread attention — and questions at Tuesday’s press briefing.

Rather than dodging the issue, Leavitt seized the opportunity to redirect the narrative.

The clash centers on a key pillar of Trump’s economic policy: tariffs. Navarro remains one of the strongest advocates for their use in global trade negotiations, arguing that tariffs help bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. Musk, on the other hand, champions free trade and, according to Fox News, said over the weekend he supports “zero tariffs” between the U.S. and European nations.

Navarro fired back on Sunday, as reported by the New York Post, accusing Musk of simply “protecting his own interests.” The following day, Navarro appeared on CNBC and criticized Tesla’s reliance on foreign-made parts — claims that were mostly inaccurate.

In response, Musk took to X and didn't hold back, labeling Navarro as “truly a moron” and “dumber than a sack of bricks.”

While Americans are used to Trump’s blunt rhetoric aimed at political opponents, this level of public infighting between two high-ranking allies within his own administration is unusual. Navarro, a key voice from Trump’s first term, recently served time after defying a congressional subpoena related to the Jan. 6 events — a panel Trump’s supporters often dismiss as a partisan “kangaroo court.”

Faced with the controversy, Leavitt chose neutrality and diplomacy.

“These are obviously two individuals who have very different views on trade and on tariffs,” she stated. “Boys will be boys, and we will let their public sparring continue.”

Rather than shying away from the spectacle, she framed it as a testament to Trump’s leadership style.

“You guys should all be grateful that we have the most transparent administration in history,” she said, adding, “I think it also speaks to the president’s willingness to hear from all sides. He has people at the highest levels of this government and this White House who have very diverse opinions on very diverse issues.”

Her conclusion reinforced the image of Trump as a leader who listens before deciding: “But the president takes all opinions in mind, and then he makes the best decision based on the best interests of the American public.”