From criticism to praise: how Kimbal Musk has been changing his stance on Trump’s tariffs

Donald Trump’s trade policies, particularly his use of tariffs, have already become a prominent feature of his presidency as he slapped a series of tariffs on nations around the world on what was called ‘Liberation Day’ on April 3.

His “America First” trade policy attempts to focus on reducing trade deficits and bringing manufacturing back to the United States.

Trump is using tariffs as a negotiating tactic, aiming to pressure other countries to alter their trade practices and sees tariffs as a way to “level the playing field” and address what he considered to be unfair trade practice.

However, just days after the ‘Liberation Day’ announcement, Trump has put a hold of the bulk of the global tariffs with the expectation of China as a fear of a full blown ‘trade war’ looms.

Musk on Trump

Despite his brother Elon being considered as one of Trump’s ‘right hand men’, the Tesla CEO and head of DOGE’s brother Kimbal initially slammed the tariff policy.

Musk, blasted President Donald Trump’s new tariff policies in a post on X this week, calling the measures a “permanent tax on the American consumer.”

‘Celebrating Causing China’s Stock Market To Go Down, By Causing Our Own Stock Market To Go Down?’ was another angry post from Musk who then thawed in his position following the news that the tariff policy would be generally halted.

“Thank you President Trump, on behalf of all Americans and the world for your 90 day pause. A healthy negotiated outcome that sets us all up for success is the goal”.

This was the final post from the self-titled entrepreneur, a stark change in tone from the previous incensed messages on X.

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