Peter Navarro Shuts Down CNBC Host in Heated Tariff Debate [WATCH]

During a tense segment on CNBC’s Squawk Box Monday, President Donald Trump’s trade advisor Peter Navarro strongly defended the administration’s tariff strategy, clashing with hosts who questioned the long-term impact of the policy on the U.S. economy.

The exchange grew heated when host Andrew Ross Sorkin suggested that President Trump’s objectives on tariffs may be contradictory.

Sorkin argued that the administration appeared to pursue two different outcomes—either to generate revenue through tariffs or to use them as leverage in trade negotiations for better deals. He questioned whether those two goals were compatible.

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Navarro pushed back against that framing.

“Not if you look at it as a movie rather than a snapshot… the goal here, ultimately, is to have people make things here. Remember, the president has said early on, hang on, let me finish a thought,” Navarro said, pushing back as Sorkin attempted to interrupt. “Andrew, why are you interrupting? Let me just finish a thought. The president has said very early on, often, that the best way to avoid tariffs is to just come here and produce.”

Navarro pointed to the state of the American auto industry as an example of the broader problem the administration is trying to address.

“If you look at our auto industry, we’re an assembly line for German engines and transmissions right now. That just doesn’t make any sense,” he said.

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He continued by emphasizing the importance of resilient supply chains and manufacturing independence, citing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In World War II, we won that war with our so-called arsenal of democracy. We can’t do that anymore. We’ve got parts spread all across the globe and if COVID taught us anything, those supply chains aren’t not resilient, they’re not reliable. So, I take your point, but I’ll tell you. We’re gonna get to a place where America makes stuff again,” Navarro said.

Despite market volatility following the implementation of tariffs, President Trump remains committed to the strategy.

On Monday, he confirmed on Truth Social that trade negotiations with several countries are ongoing, indicating that international leaders are responding to the pressure.

“Countries from all over the World are talking to us. Tough but fair parameters are being set. Spoke to the Japanese Prime Minister this morning. He is sending a top team to negotiate! They have treated the U.S. very poorly on Trade. They don’t take our cars, but we take MILLIONS of theirs. Likewise Agriculture, and many other ‘things.’ It all has to change, but especially with CHINA!!!” Trump wrote.

Navarro also addressed concerns about the decline in U.S. stock markets that followed the imposition of tariffs. He urged investors to remain calm and warned against making rash decisions.

“There’s no reason to panic,” Navarro said. “If you sell now, you lock in your losses. We are restructuring the economy in a way that brings long-term benefits—growth, jobs, and a stronger market. People are going to see that.”

The administration maintains that the tariffs are part of a broader effort to revive domestic manufacturing, strengthen national security through more reliable supply chains, and improve trade balances with key international partners.

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