Musk & Rubio Clash, ‘Trade War’ Deepens: Trump’s First 100 Days

 As the U.S. navigated the turbulent waters of Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office, tensions flared between business leaders and policymakers. Among the most high-profile clashes was a public feud between billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and Republican Senator Marco Rubio over trade policy, signaling deeper divisions in the administration’s economic strategy.

Musk vs. Rubio: A Collision Over Trade

Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, had been an advocate for open markets, frequently voicing concerns over protectionist trade policies. In contrast, Rubio, a staunch supporter of Trump’s economic nationalism, championed tougher trade measures aimed at curbing what he called “China’s economic aggression.”

Their dispute came to a head when Musk criticized the administration’s newly imposed tariffs on electric vehicle components, arguing they would hinder innovation and hurt American manufacturers more than foreign competitors. Rubio fired back, accusing Musk of prioritizing corporate interests over national security and economic independence.

Trump’s Trade War Escalates

Trump’s first 100 days were marked by an aggressive stance on trade. His administration imposed sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports, sparking retaliatory measures from Beijing. The escalating trade war sent shockwaves through global markets, with both U.S. businesses and consumers feeling the impact of rising costs.

Despite concerns from industry leaders like Musk, Trump doubled down on his trade policies, vowing to renegotiate deals and “bring jobs back to America.” This hardline approach drew support from conservatives like Rubio, who saw it as a necessary step in countering China’s influence.

Business vs. Politics: A Growing Divide

The Musk-Rubio feud highlighted a broader rift between corporate America and Trump-era protectionism. While Musk and other executives warned of long-term economic consequences, political figures like Rubio framed the trade war as a battle for national sovereignty.

As the Trump administration pushed forward with its economic agenda, tensions between the White House, lawmakers, and the business community continued to mount, setting the stage for a protracted conflict over the future of U.S. trade policy.

With Trump’s first 100 days setting the tone, the question remained: Would his trade war strengthen America’s economy or lead to further discord within its own ranks?