Trump’s Inner Circle Eats Its Own—Trade Wars and Security Spats Turn Allies Into Enemies

Once-loyal White House operatives now sharpen knives for each other—policy clashes on tariffs and national security escalate into open warfare. Meanwhile, Wall Street shrugs—another day, another dumpster fire in DC.

Trump’s plan to change global trade balances causes conflict among his advisors

Tesla Chief Elon Musk, whose companies could face higher costs, called trade adviser Peter Navarro “dumber than a sack of bricks.” Mr. Navarro shot back, saying that Mr. Musk protects “his own interests” and dismisses Tesla as a “car assembler” who depends on overseas parts.

Navarro is truly a moron. What he says here is demonstrably false.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 8, 2025

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed these fights. She told reporters there are “far more examples of the president’s team working together enthusiastically and collaboratively.” “The numbers and results of this administration speak for themselves,” she said. “The president and his team are getting work done.”

Mr. Trump has long mixed opposing views to keep people on their toes. He values unpredictability as a tool in negotiations and picks advisers known for aggression and devotion.

John Bolton, who served as national security adviser in Mr. Trump’s first term, said this style shows a lack of experience and inconsistent ideology.

“The only thing they have in common is the belief that they should show personal fealty to Trump,” Mr. Bolton said. “That may keep them in the job, but it undercuts their seriousness.”

Despite the turmoil, Mr. Trump and his allies have closed ranks around Mr. Hegseth

On April 21, Mr. Trump brushed off reports that the secretary joined a second group chat about Yemen airstrikes, calling the stories “fake news.” He told reporters at the White House Easter egg roll that Mr. Hegseth is “doing a great job.” Ms. Leavitt defended him on Fox News, blaming Pentagon staff for resisting “monumental change.”

Yet criticism is rising from inside the department. John Ullyot, the former Pentagon spokesperson, said, “It’s hard to see Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remaining in his role for much longer.” He said, “Many in the secretary’s own inner circle will applaud quietly” if Mr. Hegseth is fired.

Three other senior aides, Dan Caldwell, Colin Carroll, and Darin Selnick, said they were forced out amid “baseless attacks on our character.”

Trade tensions have also tested the administration’s unity

Mr. Navarro insisted there would be no negotiations on tariffs, but Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said import taxes would improve the White House’s negotiating hand.

After Mr. Trump partly backed down, Mr. Navarro and Mr. Musk traded more barbs. Ms. Leavitt shrugged at the feud, saying “boys will be boys” and urging critics to remember “the most transparent administration in history.”

Ms. Loomer has kept up the pressure on other officials. Last week, she accused Mr. Bessent of bringing a “Trump hater” into his financial literacy effort. She posted on X that she planned to “personally tell President Trump and personally show him these receipts,” adding “shame on” Mr. Bessent. Mr. Musk shared her post and called the development “troubling.”

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