Peter Navarro: the economist who has outsmarted Elon Musk and has the ear of Donald Trump

In a surprising twist of political power, Peter Navarro, a 75-year-old economist, has outmaneuvered Elon Musk, who once called him "dumber than a sack of bricks." Despite his fiery reputation and controversial trade policies, Navarro retains Donald Trump's trust as the administration's chief trade adviser. His journey from a little-known academic to a key White House figure reflects a mix of hawkish views, media savvy, and political reinvention, even as critics warn his rhetoric could destabilize global economics. With composure, Navarro has weathered both Musk's insults and accusations of manipulating the system, emerging as a dominant force in Trump's second term.