Kimbal Musk Stands With Brother Elon Musk in Rebuking Trump’s Tariffs, ‘We Are Simply Not as Good at Making Things’

In a rare show of solidarity, Kimbal Musk — entrepreneur, restaurateur, and brother to Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk — joined the growing criticism of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, calling them a “permanent tax on the American consumer” and warning that they threaten to backfire on U.S. competitiveness.

Though both Musks have shown support for Trump in various capacities — Elon serving as a top advisor in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and Kimbal backing certain centrist reform movements — both now appear aligned in their skepticism toward the administration’s trade strategy.

Shared Critique, Shared Stakes

Kimbal Musk took to X on Monday to voice his concerns over Trump’s aggressive tariff policies, stating bluntly: “Even if he is successful in bringing jobs on shore through the tariff tax, prices will remain high and the tax on consumption will remain the form of higher prices because we are simply not as good at making all things.”

The younger Musk, who serves on Tesla’s board, emphasized that rising costs driven by tariffs would lead to “less consumption and fewer jobs.” While his criticism comes from the perspective of a small business owner, the message mirrors sentiments recently shared by his older brother.

Over the weekend, Elon Musk himself took aim at Trump’s trade advisor Peter Navarro, mocking his credentials and accusing him of failing to grasp the realities of modern manufacturing. “A PhD in Econ from Harvard is a bad thing, not a good thing,” Elon posted, before adding that Navarro “hasn’t built sh--.”

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Peter Navarro, in response to Elon’s jabs, fired back Monday by belittling Tesla’s manufacturing model. “He’s not a car manufacturer, he’s a car assembler,” Navarro told CNBC, suggesting that Elon’s empire depends heavily on parts imported from Asia.

Their shared criticism suggests that while both brothers support elements of Trump’s broader economic agenda—especially deregulation and decentralization — they view the tariff strategy as self-defeating and economically regressive.

A Businessman’s Warning

Kimbal’s perspective is grounded in practical economics. As the co-founder of multiple food and agri-tech ventures — including indoor farming startup Square Roots and The Kitchen — he warned that small businesses and consumers would bear the brunt of higher import costs.

These comments reflect a growing frustration among American entrepreneurs grappling with higher supply chain costs amid intensifying trade tensions. For the restaurant and hospitality sectors in particular, where margins are razor-thin, any uptick in operating costs can translate into layoffs or closures.

Political Ties, Growing Distance

Elon Musk, despite his blunt criticism of trade advisors, remains a key player in the Trump administration. His role at DOGE has placed him at the heart of federal reform efforts, including workforce cuts and agency overhauls. Yet Tesla has also petitioned the U.S. Trade Representative for a more moderate tariff framework, recognizing the damage to its international supply chains.

Meanwhile, Kimbal Musk has walked a more centrist line. According to FEC filings, he’s made donations to the Libertarian National Committee and Unite America PAC — an organization focused on nonpartisan government reform. Though less politically vocal than his brother, Kimbal has made clear he’s uncomfortable with protectionist policies masquerading as pro-business.

Investors and Markets React

The Musks’ public alignment on tariffs comes at a turbulent time for markets. Tesla stock has slumped 34% year-to-date, making it the company’s worst stretch since 2022. This is true despite a whopping 22% rise in Tesla stock on Wednesday, April 9, following an announcement from President Trump on Truth Social for plans to halt many new reciprocal tariffs. 

Broader indices have also been rattled by fears of a prolonged trade war, particularly with China and the EU planning countermeasures. China, in particular, has continued to escalate tensions with the U.S., and Trump responded by raising the total Chinese tariffs rate to 125% today. 

With tensions flaring both inside and outside the administration, investors are left to weigh whether the tariff strategy is a short-term negotiating tactic or the start of a long-term economic realignment — one that even Trump’s most influential allies are struggling to endorse.

A United Front — With Limits

Despite their differences in tone and political activism, Elon and Kimbal Musk now appear united in their view that tariffs are a blunt instrument with long-term consequences. Their message to the administration is clear: while reshoring jobs may be a noble goal, protectionist policies risk creating more problems than they solve.

And as Kimbal warned, “We are simply not as good at making things” — a candid admission that America’s manufacturing base needs rebuilding, not artificial price support. Whether the White House listens remains to be seen, but the Musk brothers' unified stance may mark a turning point in the broader business community’s tolerance for tariff-first economics.

On the date of publication, Caleb Naysmith did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.