According to The Washington Post, Elon Musk conducted multiple personal appeals to U.S. President Donald Trump during the weekend about reversing new import tariffs, but his efforts proved unsuccessful. The Washington Post reveals in its report that Musk made two unsuccessful appeals to Trump, according to sources who were aware of the situation, which represents the most publicized conflict between these two figures to date.
During the previous week, President Trump implemented a 10% base tariff affecting all imports to America while adding extra duties against multiple nations. The tariff implementation immediately worried economic experts because it risked inflation resurgence and increased recession probabilities and consumer price increases, which could become election issues for Trump.
Musk functions as Trump’s adviser while leading the newly formed “Department of Government Efficiency,” and he made public statements abroad. During his virtual speech at the League Party congress in Florence, Italy, Musk supported a zero-tariff trade deal between America and Europe to promote global trade freedom.
The business operations of Tesla already demonstrate negative effects. Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla experienced a substantial quarterly sales decline, which caused its stock to finish at $233.29 on Monday, marking a 42% decrease since the beginning of 2025. Musk recognized during the Trump administration how tariffs created substantial harm to Tesla’s worldwide supply network and international business operations.
Musk’s attempts to gain support from the administration proved unsuccessful, which indicates rising conflict between business leaders and Trump’s rising trade protectionism. The escalating economic challenges and declining Tesla performance create heightened risks for Musk and the entire United States economic landscape.
