Elon Musk became a major figure in Washington after President Donald Trump tasked him with overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

However, there are indications that a possible break between Trump and Musk may be developing over trade policy. 

Musk hopes for "a zero tariff situation" between the U.S. and E.U.

That's according to the Daily Mail, which cited remarks Musk made during a virtual rally hosted by Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini.

"I hope that the United States and Europe can establish a very close partnership," the newspaper quoted Musk as saying this past week.

"I hope it is agreed that both Europe and the United States should move ideally in my view to a zero tariff situation, effectively creating a free trade zone between Europe and North America," he added.

Those comments came after Trump unveiled a slew of new tariffs on Wednesday, some of which target member nations in the European Union.

Musk attack White House trade advisor on social media

What's more, Musk also put up a social media post on Saturday criticizing Peter Navarro, who serves as senior counselor to the president for trade and manufacturing.

When responding to a video clip of Navarro defending the White House's trade policies, Musk wrote, "A PhD in Econ from Harvard is a bad thing, not a good thing. Results in the ego/brains>>1 problem."

A PhD in Econ from Harvard is a bad thing, not a good thing.

Results in the ego/brains>>1 problem.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 5, 2025

Musk's comment was not well received by some X users, with one person writing, "Who are you trying to please by publicly dissing Navarro? China? You can't tell him privately? I thought you are part of the team."

Navarro says Musk is "protecting his own interests"

Meanwhile, the New York Post reported that Navarro fired back at Musk during an interview with Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures" by suggesting that Tesla CEO was looking out for himself.

"Elon when he’s in his DOGE lane is great, but we understand what’s going on here. Elon sells cars. He’s simply protecting his own interests," Navarro declared.

The White House trade advisor went on to assert that Tesla factories "get a lot of their content from China, Mexico, Japan and Taiwan and elsewhere" but later added, "There’s no rift here."

"Look, Elon, he’s got X, he’s got a big microphone. We don’t mind him saying whatever he wants. But, just, the American people need to understand that we understand, what that’s all about, and it’s fine," Navarro stated.