Tesla “Concerns Raised Over Trump Administration’s Hardline Tariff Policies”

# Tesla Voices Concerns Over Trump Administration's Tariff Policies Tesla Inc., led by Elon Musk, a close confidant of President Trump, has officially expressed concerns about the Trump administration's aggressive tariff policies. According to a report by CNN on the 13th, Tesla sent a formal letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the 11th, urging a review of the policies' impact on related industries. In the letter, Tesla requested the USTR to consider the broader effects of the countermeasures against unfair trade practices on American manufacturers and exporters. "While acknowledging and supporting the value of fair trade, the impact on U.S. exports should also be considered during the remediation process," Tesla argued. The automaker pointed out that past U.S. tariff policies had provoked "immediate retaliatory actions" from targeted countries, leading to increased tariffs on electric vehicles exported to these regions. Tesla emphasized the limitations of the U.S. supply chain in the electric vehicle and lithium-ion battery sectors, noting that certain battery components are challenging to procure domestically. The letter did not bear the signature of Tesla's management or senior executives. This move signifies that Tesla, a company led by one of President Trump's closest allies, is formally opposing the administration's stringent tariff policies. Meanwhile, Tesla shares have seen a sharp decline, erasing gains made post-election. The stock closed down three percent on the 13th. According to data released by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association, Tesla's sales in the European market dropped by 45 percent in January. Despite leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and wielding significant influence over federal policy, Musk continues to navigate various political controversies.