US President Donald Trump's trade secretary, Peter Navarro on Monday (Sep 15) once again took a dig at India over its purchase of discounted Russian oil. During an interview, Navarro announced that New Delhi was "coming to the table" while commenting that India has very high tariffs. He also alleged that the nation was "making money" off the US via its "unfair trade" and claimed that New Delhi used this money to fund Russia's war in Ukraine. This comes as Indian and American teams meet in New Delhi on Tuesday (Sep 16) for trade talks after weeks of tensions.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-kremlin-laundromat-to-friend-trump-s-u-turn-brings-india-us-back-to-negotiating-table-trade-talks-in-delhi-today-1757990317044">From 'Kremlin laundromat' to 'friend': Trump's U-turn brings India, US back to negotiating table; trade talks in Delhi today</a><h2>What did Navarro say?</h2>During an interview with CNBC International on Monday, Navarro remarked, "India is coming to the table…On the trade side, they have very high tariffs. They have very high non-tariff barriers. We had to deal with that, like we are dealing with every other country that does that."He added that there was also the issue of "India buying Russian Oil" before claiming that the country "never did (purchased Russian oil" before 2022. "They make money off us via unfair trade, and many workers get screwed," said the Trump aide, adding, "They use that money to buy Russian oil, and Russians use that to buy weapons."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-are-hunting-you-trump-shares-shocking-video-of-fresh-strike-on-venezuelan-boat-reveals-3-narcoterrorists-killed-watch-1757992478375">'We are hunting you': Trump shares shocking video of fresh strike on Venezuelan boat; reveals 3 ‘narcoterrorists’ killed. Watch!</a><h2>A thaw in US-India icy relations</h2>India and the United States on Tuesday will return to the negotiating table and hold trade talks. According to reports, the impending talks represent a significant reversal in bilateral ties after weeks of tensions between the two allies in the aftermath of the punitive 50 per cent tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on India for buying Russian oil. In a statement on Monday (Sep 15), Indian special secretary, commerce Rajesh Agarwal, India's chief negotiator for the bilateral trade talks, said that US chief negotiator Brendan Lynch "is in India tonight".Indian Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal also confirmed that the US team would meet the Indian team on Tuesday. He said that the two sides remain in a "positive frame of mind" on trade relations.The Tuesday talks are vital to India-US ties and may pave the way for the sixth round of the trade talks between the nations. The sixth round of talks was originally supposed to happen on August 25 in New Delhi, but was postponed after Trump, on August 7, imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India — 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs and 25 per cent punitive tariffs for the purchase of discounted US oil.&nbsp;

Amid a thaw in diplomatic relations, US President Donald Trump's trade secretary, Peter Navarro, has once again taken a dig at India, accusing the country of "unfair trade" and of using profits from its trade with the US to fund Russian oil purchases.

US President Donald Trump's trade secretary, Peter Navarro on Monday (Sep 15) once again took a dig at India over its purchase of discounted Russian oil. During an interview, Navarro announced that New Delhi was "coming to the table" while commenting that India has very high tariffs. He also alleged that the nation was "making money" off the US via its "unfair trade" and claimed that New Delhi used this money to fund Russia's war in Ukraine. This comes as Indian and American teams meet in New Delhi on Tuesday (Sep 16) for trade talks after weeks of tensions. Also read | From 'Kremlin laundromat' to 'friend': Trump's U-turn brings India, US back to negotiating table; trade talks in Delhi today What did Navarro say? During an interview with CNBC International on Monday, Navarro remarked, "India is coming to the table…On the trade side, they have very high tariffs. They have very high non-tariff barriers. We had to deal with that, like we are dealing with every other country that does that." He added that there was also the issue of "India buying Russian Oil" before claiming that the country "never did (purchased Russian oil" before 2022. "They make money off us via unfair trade, and many workers get screwed," said the Trump aide, adding, "They use that money to buy Russian oil, and Russians use that to buy weapons." Also read | 'We are hunting you': Trump shares shocking video of fresh strike on Venezuelan boat; reveals 3 ‘narcoterrorists’ killed. Watch! A thaw in US-India icy relations India and the United States on Tuesday will return to the negotiating table and hold trade talks. According to reports, the impending talks represent a significant reversal in bilateral ties after weeks of tensions between the two allies in the aftermath of the punitive 50 per cent tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on India for buying Russian oil. In a statement on Monday (Sep 15), Indian special secretary, commerce Rajesh Agarwal, India's chief negotiator for the bilateral trade talks, said that US chief negotiator Brendan Lynch "is in India tonight". Indian Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal also confirmed that the US team would meet the Indian team on Tuesday. He said that the two sides remain in a "positive frame of mind" on trade relations. The Tuesday talks are vital to India-US ties and may pave the way for the sixth round of the trade talks between the nations. The sixth round of talks was originally supposed to happen on August 25 in New Delhi, but was postponed after Trump, on August 7, imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India — 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs and 25 per cent punitive tariffs for the purchase of discounted US oil.

Amid a thaw in diplomatic relations, US President Donald Trump's trade secretary, Peter Navarro, has once again taken a dig at India, accusing the country of "unfair trade" and of using profits from its trade surplus with the US to fund Russian oil purchases.

Trump’s trade czar Peter Navarro lashes out at India again ahead of trade talks: 'Unfair trade, funding Putin’s war'

US President Donald Trump's White House trade advisor has done it again; Peter Navarro has once again taken a potshot at India. What's different this time? This time dragging the entire BRICS bloc into his tirade and has gone as far as calling India and others "vampires sucking our (America's) blood dry with their unfair trade practices". Navarro made the bizarre statement during a TV interaction. He also claimed that without selling to the United States, the BRICS nations would not survive. Here's all you need to know about Navarro's latest attack against India.<h2>What did Navarro say?</h2>In a TV interview, Navarro said the countries in BRICS — which includes India, China, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa, along with new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE and Indonesia — "would not survive without selling to the US.""When they sell to the US their exports they are like vampires sucking our blood dry with their unfair trade practices," he claimed. He went further, alleging that BRICS nations "hate each other and kill each other" historically. Navarro singled out India and China, describing the two as having been "at war for decades."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I don’t see the BRICS alliance lasting. They’ve long hated each other—and none survive without selling to the United States. <a href="https://t.co/0vqNq8fZaE">pic.twitter.com/0vqNq8fZaE</a>&mdash; Peter Navarro (@RealPNavarro) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealPNavarro/status/1965125447324213348?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-breaks-silence-on-modi-trump-ties-after-potus-u-turn-on-america-lost-india-to-china-remark-1757140373958">Jaishankar breaks silence on Modi–Trump ties after POTUS's U-turn on America 'lost India to China' remark</a><h2>Another day, another attack</h2>Navarro's latest remarks follow weeks of attacks on India over its imports of discounted Russian oil. Last week, one of his social media posts was fact-checked by X users, who noted that India's oil trade was about energy security, not profiteering. Having a full-on public meltdown, Navarro then proceeded to dismiss the correction as "crap," and lashed out at Elon Musk, who eventually defended his platform's community notes feature.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-peter-navarro-lashes-out-at-india-again-melts-down-after-netizens-fact-check-his-russian-oil-claim-live-musk-1757207674239">Trump aide Navarro lashes out at India again! Targets Musk in a public meltdown after netizens fact-check his Russian oil claims</a><h2>Navarro's love (hate) for vampires</h2>The "vampire" rhetoric is not new for Navarro. In May, he made similar comments about China in relation to the UK, warning London not to become "a dumping ground" for Chinese goods or "an all too compliant servant of the Chinese Communist Party". "If the Chinese vampire can't suck the American blood, it is going to suck the UK blood and the EU blood," he said, as quoted by the Telegraph.Navarro’s renewed hostility towards India comes in the wake of President Donald Trump's move to double tariffs on Indian imports to 50 per cent, a penalty Washington linked to New Delhi's oil trade with Moscow.

During a TV interview, Trump's advisor Peter Navarro launched a fresh attack on India, labelling it and other BRICS nations as "vampires sucking our blood dry with their unfair trade practices."

US President Donald Trump's White House trade advisor has done it again; Peter Navarro has once again taken a potshot at India. What's different this time? This time dragging the entire BRICS bloc into his tirade and has gone as far as calling India and others "vampires sucking our (America's) blood dry with their unfair trade practices". Navarro made the bizarre statement during a TV interaction. He also claimed that without selling to the United States, the BRICS nations would not survive. Here's all you need to know about Navarro's latest attack against India. What did Navarro say? In a TV interview, Navarro said the countries in BRICS — which includes India, China, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa, along with new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE and Indonesia — "would not survive without selling to the US." "When they sell to the US their exports they are like vampires sucking our blood dry with their unfair trade practices," he claimed. He went further, alleging that BRICS nations "hate each other and kill each other" historically. Navarro singled out India and China, describing the two as having been "at war for decades."

During a TV interview, Trump's advisor Peter Navarro launched a fresh attack on India, labelling it and other BRICS nations as "vampires sucking our blood dry with their unfair trade practices." Here's what he said.

Trump aide Navarro labels India and BRICS 'vampires' claims they're 'sucking US blood dry' in latest bizarre tirade

White House advisor Peter Navarro had a public meltdown on Sunday (Sep 7) after one of his posts targeting India's purchase of Russian oil was flagged by a community note on X. Navarro, who, in recent days, has repeatedly accused New Delhi of profiteering from its energy trade with Moscow, wrote on X that India was buying Russian crude "purely to profit/revenues feed Russia war machine". However, the factually wrong post was fact-checked by users, which caused Navarro to have a full-on public meltdown and lash out at US President Donald Trump's former closest ally, Elon Musk. Navarro took to accusing Musk of “letting propaganda into people's posts” while calling the community note a "crap note". Here's what happened.<h2>Navarro fact-checked</h2>In a post on Saturday (Sep 6) Navarro claimed as "fact" that India's "highest tariffs costs US jobs". He claimed that New Delhi "buys Russian oil purely to profit/Revenues feed Russia war machine," leading to deaths of both Ukrainians and Russians, and causing US taxpayers to "shell out more".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-trade-adviser-calls-india-kremlin-laundromat-targets-brahmins-in-shocking-remark-brahmins-profiteering-at-the-expense-of-1756695443300">Peter Navarro calls India ‘Kremlin laundromat’, targets Brahmins in shocking remark: 'Brahmins profiteering at the expense of...'</a>However, his factually incorrect post invited a fact-check in the form of a community note. Netizens corrected the Trump aide, pointing out that India’s imports were tied to its energy security needs, not just profits, and that the purchases did not violate sanctions. The community note added that “While India has some tariffs, the US has a trade surplus with it in services.” It added that despite the recent narrative, the US itself continues to import certain commodities from Russia — a point many called hypocritical.This fact-check led to Navarro lashing out at Musk.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/planning-a-us-trip-trump-just-made-it-pricier-starting-this-date-indians-will-have-to-pay-22-000-integrity-fee-for-a-visa-1756795635272">Planning a US trip? Trump just made it pricier — Starting THIS date Indians will have to pay ₹22,000 'integrity fee' for a Visa</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Wow. <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> is letting propaganda into people&#39;s posts. That crap note below is just that. Crap. India buys Russia oil solely to profiteer. It didn&#39;t buy any before Russia invaded Ukraine. Indian govt spin machine moving high tilt. Stop killing Ukranians. Stop taking… <a href="https://t.co/Uj1NMUrVOM">https://t.co/Uj1NMUrVOM</a>&mdash; Peter Navarro (@RealPNavarro) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealPNavarro/status/1964397326937755671?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Navarro's public meltdown over India</h2>The correction appeared to rattle Navarro. Dismissing the note as "crap," he lashed out at Elon Musk for "letting propaganda into people's posts" and doubled down on his accusations. "India buys Russia oil solely to profiteer. It didn't buy any before Russia invaded Ukraine. Indian govt spin machine moving high tilt. Stop killing Ukranians [Ukrainians]. Stop taking American jobs," Navarro wrote.It must be noted that Musk had nothing to do with the community note. According to X, these notes, "aim to create a better informed world by empowering people on X to collaboratively add context to potentially misleading posts."<h2>Trump aide's continuous India attacks</h2>Navarro's language toward India has become increasingly sharp. From calling the country a "Kremlin laundromat" to even resorting to caste-based slurs like "Brahmins are profiteering," he has kept up a steady barrage of attacks against New Delhi.India, meanwhile, has rejected his claims outright. The Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday called Navarro's statements "inaccurate and misleading", stressing that the India-US relationship remains a "comprehensive global strategic partnership" anchored in shared interests and democratic values.&nbsp;&nbsp;

White House advisor Peter Navarro had a full-on public meltdown on X after a community note fact-checked his post targeting India's purchase of Russian oil. He even lashed out at Elon Musk. Here's what happened.

White House advisor Peter Navarro had a public meltdown on Sunday (Sep 7) after one of his posts targeting India's purchase of Russian oil was flagged by a community note on X. Navarro, who, in recent days, has repeatedly accused New Delhi of profiteering from its energy trade with Moscow, wrote on X that India was buying Russian crude "purely to profit/revenues feed Russia war machine". However, the factually wrong post was fact-checked by users, which caused Navarro to have a full-on public meltdown and lash out at US President Donald Trump's former closest ally, Elon Musk. Navarro took to accusing Musk of “letting propaganda into people's posts” while calling the community note a "crap note". Here's what happened. Navarro fact-checked In a post on Saturday (Sep 6) Navarro claimed as "fact" that India's "highest tariffs costs US jobs". He claimed that New Delhi "buys Russian oil purely to profit/Revenues feed Russia war machine," leading to deaths of both Ukrainians and Russians, and causing US taxpayers to "shell out more". Also read | Peter Navarro calls India ‘Kremlin laundromat’, targets Brahmins in shocking remark: 'Brahmins profiteering at the expense of...' However, his factually incorrect post invited a fact-check in the form of a community note. Netizens corrected the Trump aide, pointing out that India’s imports were tied to its energy security needs, not just profits, and that the purchases did not violate sanctions. The community note added that “While India has some tariffs, the US has a trade surplus with it in services.” It added that despite the recent narrative, the US itself continues to import certain commodities from Russia — a point many called hypocritical. This fact-check led to Navarro lashing out at Musk. Also read | Planning a US trip? Trump just made it pricier — Starting THIS date Indians will have to pay ₹22,000 'integrity fee' for a Visa

White House advisor Peter Navarro had a full-on public meltdown on X after a community note fact-checked his post targeting India's purchase of Russian oil. He even lashed out at Elon Musk. Here's what happened.

Trump aide Navarro lashes out at India again! Targets Musk in a public meltdown after netizens fact-check his Russian oil claims

Senior Counsellor for Trade and Manufacturing for US President Donald Trump, Peter Navarro on Friday (Sep 5) again hit out at India for its oil imports from Russia. He accused New Delhi of profiteering from Russian oil and alleged that tariffs imposed by India cost "Americans' jobs".&nbsp;“FACTS: India highest tariffs costs US jobs. India buys Russian oil purely to profit/Revenues feed Russia war machine. Ukrainians/Russians die. US taxpayers shell out more. India can't handle truth/spins”, said Navarro in a post on X.&nbsp;The remarks by Navarro slamming India comes after an article in the Washington post said that the inflammatory language used by the White House towards New Delhi is worsening relations between both the countries.&nbsp;From calling India a "laundromat for the Kremlin", to the castiest jibes such as "Brahmins are profiteering" from the conflict in Russia, Navarro, in recent times, has repeatedly attacked India for its Russian oil imports and tariffs imposed on American goods.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-deeply-appreciate-trump-s-sentiments-modi-reacts-to-trumps-u-turn-on-india-1757133498530">'Deeply appreciate sentiments': Modi reacts to Trump's 'very special' ties with PM remark</a>&nbsp;"India is helping feed the Russian war machine. I mean Modi's war, because the road to peace runs, in part, through New Delhi,' Navarro, had said in an interview to Bloomberg Television last week.&nbsp;The claims were denied by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, who called them "inaccurate and misleading statements."&nbsp;"We have seen the inaccurate and misleading statements made by Navarro, and obviously, we reject them," said Jaiswal in a press briefing on Friday.&nbsp;Speaking on the ties India and US share, Jaiswal said, "We have also spoken about it earlier. This relationship between the United States and India is very important for us. Both our countries share a comprehensive global strategic partnership, which is anchored in our shared interests, democratic values and robust people-to-people ties," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Navarro in his post accused New Delhi of profiteering from Russian oil and alleged that tariffs imposed by India cost Americans jobs.

Senior Counsellor for Trade and Manufacturing for US President Donald Trump, Peter Navarro on Friday (Sep 5) again hit out at India for its oil imports from Russia. He accused New Delhi of profiteering from Russian oil and alleged that tariffs imposed by India cost "Americans' jobs". “FACTS: India highest tariffs costs US jobs. India buys Russian oil purely to profit/Revenues feed Russia war machine. Ukrainians/Russians die. US taxpayers shell out more. India can't handle truth/spins”, said Navarro in a post on X. The remarks by Navarro slamming India comes after an article in the Washington post said that the inflammatory language used by the White House towards New Delhi is worsening relations between both the countries. From calling India a "laundromat for the Kremlin", to the castiest jibes such as "Brahmins are profiteering" from the conflict in Russia, Navarro, in recent times, has repeatedly attacked India for its Russian oil imports and tariffs imposed on American goods. Also Read: 'Deeply appreciate sentiments': Modi reacts to Trump's 'very special' ties with PM remark "India is helping feed the Russian war machine. I mean Modi's war, because the road to peace runs, in part, through New Delhi,' Navarro, had said in an interview to Bloomberg Television last week. The claims were denied by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, who called them "inaccurate and misleading statements." "We have seen the inaccurate and misleading statements made by Navarro, and obviously, we reject them," said Jaiswal in a press briefing on Friday. Speaking on the ties India and US share, Jaiswal said, "We have also spoken about it earlier. This relationship between the United States and India is very important for us. Both our countries share a comprehensive global strategic partnership, which is anchored in our shared interests, democratic values and robust people-to-people ties," he said.

Navarro in his post accused New Delhi of profiteering from Russian oil and alleged that tariffs imposed by India cost "Americans' jobs".

'Can't handle truth': Trump aide Navarro slams India again over Russian oil imports

US President Donald Trump's White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro has once again sought to justify the POTUS's excessive 50 per cent tariff on imports from India. Making a crude, caste based remark, Navarro, on Sunday (Aug 31) blamed India for the war between Ukraine and Russia, accusing Brahmins of the country of “profiteering at the expense of the Indian people.”<h2>What did Navarro say?</h2>White House trade adviser Peter Navarro doubled down on his defense of US President Donald Trump's 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports, this time drawing controversy with a caste-related remark. In an interview with Fox News on Monday (Sep 1), Navarro accused India of enabling trade imbalances and geopolitical alliances that counter American interests.&nbsp;While accusing India’s Brahmin community of "profiteering at the expense of the Indian people" he described India as nothing but a "laundromat for the Kremlin," alleging that New Delhi was helping Russia bypass sanctions through oil trade.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/did-modi-s-snub-over-trump-s-nobel-peace-prize-push-lead-to-50-tariffs-for-india-shocking-report-claims-this-1756605189312">Modi rejected Trump's Nobel prize fantasy during call, reveals shocking report — 50% tariff the price of POTUS' bruised ego?</a>&nbsp;<h2>Modi a 'great leader' but...</h2>Navarro called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "great leader," but accused him of "getting in bed with Putin". He warned that India's ties with Russia and China undermine its image as the world's largest democracy.&nbsp;"So, you know, look, Modi's a great leader... But I don't understand why he's getting into bed with Putin and Xi Jinping...when he's the leader of the biggest democracy in the world. I would just simply say to the Indian people. Please, understand what's going on here. You've got Brahmins profiteering at the expense of the Indian people. We need that to stop," he added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-satanic-trump-white-house-portrait-sets-internet-on-fire-netizens-call-it-his-most-honest-image-yet-compare-potus-to-hitler-1755752441076">‘Satanic’ Trump White House portrait sets internet on fire—netizens call it his most honest image yet, compare POTUS to Hitler</a>

White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro has ignited a new controversy by making a crude, caste-based remark to justify the 50% US tariff on Indian imports. Here's what he said.



US President Donald Trump's White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro has once again sought to justify the POTUS's excessive 50 per cent tariff on imports from India. Making a crude, caste based remark, Navarro, on Sunday (Aug 31) blamed India for the war between Ukraine and Russia, accusing Brahmins of the country of “profiteering at the expense of the Indian people.” What did Navarro say? White House trade adviser Peter Navarro doubled down on his defense of US President Donald Trump's 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports, this time drawing controversy with a caste-related remark. In an interview with Fox News on Monday (Sep 1), Navarro accused India of enabling trade imbalances and geopolitical alliances that counter American interests. While accusing India’s Brahmin community of "profiteering at the expense of the Indian people" he described India as nothing but a "laundromat for the Kremlin," alleging that New Delhi was helping Russia bypass sanctions through oil trade. Also read | Modi rejected Trump's Nobel prize fantasy during call, reveals shocking report — 50% tariff the price of POTUS' bruised ego? Modi a 'great leader' but... Navarro called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "great leader," but accused him of "getting in bed with Putin". He warned that India's ties with Russia and China undermine its image as the world's largest democracy. "So, you know, look, Modi's a great leader... But I don't understand why he's getting into bed with Putin and Xi Jinping...when he's the leader of the biggest democracy in the world. I would just simply say to the Indian people. Please, understand what's going on here. You've got Brahmins profiteering at the expense of the Indian people. We need that to stop," he added. Also read | ‘Satanic’ Trump White House portrait sets internet on fire—netizens call it his most honest image yet, compare POTUS to Hitler

White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro has ignited a new controversy by making a crude, caste-based remark to justify the 50% US tariff on Indian imports. Here's what he said.

Peter Navarro calls India ‘Kremlin laundromat’, targets Brahmins in shocking remark: 'Brahmins profiteering at the expense of...'

Peter Navarro, who has been making anti-India remarks,  is known for pushing false election fraud claims and clashing with officials over tariffs to inventing a fake economist and promoting discredited COVID-19 treatments. He even went to jail once. Here is what you should know 

Peter Navarro, who has been making anti-India remarks, &nbsp;is known for pushing false election fraud claims and clashing with officials over tariffs to inventing a fake economist and promoting discredited COVID-19 treatments. He even went to jail once. Here is what you should know&nbsp;

From anti-India rants to jail time: 7 times Peter Navarro proved right his ex-aide who called him an unreliable a**hole

In one of the most vapid statements to emerge from his acerbic tongue yet, Peter Navarro said the Ukraine-Russia conflict is 'Modi's war.' The once-jailed, 76-year-old opportunist Democrat-turned-trade protectionist Republican hardliner is no stranger to controversy. Here is what you should know about the man, once described by a former aide as an a**hole, who has also called India the 'Maharaja of tariffs.'<h2>What exactly did Peter Navarro say about 'Modi's war'?</h2>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the only world leader who took the stance, 'this is not the era of war,' when the US and Europe were arming Ukraine to resist the Russian invasion. In his remarks to Bloomberg TV, however, Navarro flipped the entire script. He said India "look us bald-faced in the eye and say they don’t have the highest tariffs in the world, when in fact they do."&nbsp; "Then they say we’re not going to stop buying Russian oil. Now what does that mean? Russia uses the money it gets to fund its war machine, kill more Ukrainians, and then Ukraine comes to us and Europe and says give us more money. So American taxpayers lose because we’ve got to fund Modi’s war,” he added.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-indians-are-so-arrogant-trump-aide-peter-navarro-blames-pm-modi-for-russia-ukraine-war-loses-clam-over-new-delhi-s-oil-purchase-from-russia-1756350881354">Also read: 'Not Putin, Modi's war...': Trump aide blames Indian PM for Ukraine war, loses calm over India's oil purchase from Russia</a><h2>But is Peter Navarro really the trade or commerce offcial of US? Who really is he?</h2>Peter Navarro, the 76-year-old economist and political firebrand, spent decades shifting from a liberal Democrat to a trade protectionist hardliner under Donald Trump.Born on 15 July 1949 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Navarro was a Professor Emeritus of Economics and Public Policy at the University of California, Irvine.He became famous during Donald Trump’s first administration (2017–2021), as the Director of the White House National Trade Council, and later leading the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy. In Trump’s second term, he returned as Senior Counsellor for Trade and Manufacturing, continuing to push a protectionist trade agenda.Point to note here: He was never the top US trade or commerce official. But Navarro was a key figure in renegotiating NAFTA into the USMCA and implementing sweeping tariffs on steel, aluminium, and Chinese goods.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-tariff-vs-india-us-trade-advisor-calls-ukraine-modi-s-war-over-russian-oil-1756358954721/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-tariff-vs-india-us-trade-advisor-calls-ukraine-modi-s-war-over-russian-oil-1756358954721/embed</a><h2>Seven times Navarro proved his ex-aide right by being an a**hole</h2>Navarro’s career has been defined by both policy influence and scandals. Here are the top seven: &nbsp;<h3>1. Contempt of Congress (2021–2024) and jail time</h3>Navarro was convicted on two counts of contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena related to the 2021 January 6 Capitol riot investigation. He cited executive privilege, but the court found no evidence Trump had formally invoked it. Eventually, Navarro served four months in prison and was fined $9,500. Upon release, Navarro called the case “an attack on constitutional principles.”Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-trump-adviser-peter-navarro-sentenced-to-4-months-for-contempt-of-congress-683686"> Ex-Trump adviser Peter Navarro sentenced to 4 months for contempt of Congress</a><h2>2. Election fraud conspiracies</h2>After Trump’s 2020 election loss, Navarro became a leading promoter of discredited election fraud claims. His 'Navarro Report' and a plan dubbed the 'Green Bay Sweep' aimed to delay election certification.<h3>3. The “Ron Vara” scandal</h3>Navarro invented a fictional economist named Ron Vara — an anagram of his own name — and cited him in several books. When exposed, he dismissed it as a 'Hitchcockian writing device' and an inside joke, but the stunt raised questions about his scholarly credibility.<h3>4. Trade policy Clashes: Musk called him a moron, colleagues disliked him</h3>Navarro frequently clashed with colleagues like Steven Mnuchin and Gary Cohn over his extreme positions on tariffs. He reportedly shouted at Mnuchin during a 2018 China trip. In 2019, he claimed tariffs had “no impact” on Americans, an assertion fact-checked as false.In April 2025, Elon Musk attacked Navarro’s trade stance, calling him a “moron” and “dumber than a sack of bricks.” Navarro responded by calling Musk a mere “car assembler” dependent on foreign parts.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-calls-trump-trade-adviser-navarro-dumber-than-a-sack-of-bricks-in-over-tariff-clash-8940303">Also read: 'Truly a moron': Musk calls Trump trade adviser Navarro ‘dumber than a sack of bricks’ in clash over tariff</a><h2>5. COVID-19 missteps</h2>Navarro famously championed hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug, as a COVID-19 treatment, despite scientific consensus against it. He also penned an editorial criticising Dr Anthony Fauci, which was later disavowed by the White House and the publisher, USA Today. A ventilator contract he arranged in 2020 was terminated due to overpayment concerns and became the subject of an internal investigation.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-you-re-getting-in-bed-with-authoritarians-us-unsolicited-warning-to-india-on-ties-with-russia-and-china-1756351118040">Also read: 'You’re getting in bed with authoritarians': US' unsolicited warning to India on ties with Russia and China</a><h2>6. Criticism of Germany and the Euro</h2>Navarro accused Germany of manipulating the euro to gain unfair trade advantages, despite the fact that Germany doesn’t control the currency. Economist Paul Krugman dismissed the broader accusation as flawed.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-laundromat-for-kremlin-top-us-official-slams-india-accuses-india-of-fuelling-russia-s-war-in-ukraine-1755798988515">Also read: ‘Laundromat for Kremlin’: Top US official slams India, accuses India of fuelling Russia’s war in Ukraine</a><h2>7. Difficult Conduct: Who called him an a**hole?</h2>Navarro is known for being difficult to work with, even among allies. His ex-campaign manager, Larry Remer, summed it up in The New Yorker, saying, “He’s an a**hole, and he’s unreliable.” That behaviour continued into his time in the Trump White House, where his abrasive style strained relationships with key officials and fuelled internal conflicts.&nbsp;

Peter Navarro, a trade hawk, is hogging limelight with acerbic remarks against India amid the Trump tariff war. He controversially called the Ukraine-Russia conflict "Modi's war," but is no stranger to controversy. Did you know he was even jailed once?

In one of the most vapid statements to emerge from his acerbic tongue yet, Peter Navarro said the Ukraine-Russia conflict is 'Modi's war.' The once-jailed, 76-year-old opportunist Democrat-turned-trade protectionist Republican hardliner is no stranger to controversy. Here is what you should know about the man, once described by a former aide as an a**hole, who has also called India the 'Maharaja of tariffs.' What exactly did Peter Navarro say about 'Modi's war'? Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the only world leader who took the stance, 'this is not the era of war,' when the US and Europe were arming Ukraine to resist the Russian invasion. In his remarks to Bloomberg TV, however, Navarro flipped the entire script. He said India "look us bald-faced in the eye and say they don’t have the highest tariffs in the world, when in fact they do." "Then they say we’re not going to stop buying Russian oil. Now what does that mean? Russia uses the money it gets to fund its war machine, kill more Ukrainians, and then Ukraine comes to us and Europe and says give us more money. So American taxpayers lose because we’ve got to fund Modi’s war,” he added. Also read: 'Not Putin, Modi's war...': Trump aide blames Indian PM for Ukraine war, loses calm over India's oil purchase from Russia But is Peter Navarro really the trade or commerce offcial of US? Who really is he? Peter Navarro, the 76-year-old economist and political firebrand, spent decades shifting from a liberal Democrat to a trade protectionist hardliner under Donald Trump. Born on 15 July 1949 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Navarro was a Professor Emeritus of Economics and Public Policy at the University of California, Irvine. He became famous during Donald Trump’s first administration (2017–2021), as the Director of the White House National Trade Council, and later leading the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy. In Trump’s second term, he returned as Senior Counsellor for Trade and Manufacturing, continuing to push a protectionist trade agenda. Point to note here: He was never the top US trade or commerce official. But Navarro was a key figure in renegotiating NAFTA into the USMCA and implementing sweeping tariffs on steel, aluminium, and Chinese goods. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-tariff-vs-india-us-trade-advisor-calls-ukraine-modi-s-war-over-russian-oil-1756358954721/embed Seven times Navarro proved his ex-aide right by being an a**hole Navarro’s career has been defined by both policy influence and scandals. Here are the top seven: 1. Contempt of Congress (2021–2024) and jail time Navarro was convicted on two counts of contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena related to the 2021 January 6 Capitol riot investigation. He cited executive privilege, but the court found no evidence Trump had formally invoked it. Eventually, Navarro served four months in prison and was fined $9,500. Upon release, Navarro called the case “an attack on constitutional principles.” Also read: Ex-Trump adviser Peter Navarro sentenced to 4 months for contempt of Congress 2. Election fraud conspiracies After Trump’s 2020 election loss, Navarro became a leading promoter of discredited election fraud claims. His 'Navarro Report' and a plan dubbed the 'Green Bay Sweep' aimed to delay election certification. 3. The “Ron Vara” scandal Navarro invented a fictional economist named Ron Vara — an anagram of his own name — and cited him in several books. When exposed, he dismissed it as a 'Hitchcockian writing device' and an inside joke, but the stunt raised questions about his scholarly credibility. 4. Trade policy Clashes: Musk called him a moron, colleagues disliked him Navarro frequently clashed with colleagues like Steven Mnuchin and Gary Cohn over his extreme positions on tariffs. He reportedly shouted at Mnuchin during a 2018 China trip. In 2019, he claimed tariffs had “no impact” on Americans, an assertion fact-checked as false. In April 2025, Elon Musk attacked Navarro’s trade stance, calling him a “moron” and “dumber than a sack of bricks.” Navarro responded by calling Musk a mere “car assembler” dependent on foreign parts. Also read: 'Truly a moron': Musk calls Trump trade adviser Navarro ‘dumber than a sack of bricks’ in clash over tariff 5. COVID-19 missteps Navarro famously championed hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug, as a COVID-19 treatment, despite scientific consensus against it. He also penned an editorial criticising Dr Anthony Fauci, which was later disavowed by the White House and the publisher, USA Today. A ventilator contract he arranged in 2020 was terminated due to overpayment concerns and became the subject of an internal investigation. Also read: 'You’re getting in bed with authoritarians': US' unsolicited warning to India on ties with Russia and China 6. Criticism of Germany and the Euro Navarro accused Germany of manipulating the euro to gain unfair trade advantages, despite the fact that Germany doesn’t control the currency. Economist Paul Krugman dismissed the broader accusation as flawed. Also read: ‘Laundromat for Kremlin’: Top US official slams India, accuses India of fuelling Russia’s war in Ukraine 7. Difficult Conduct: Who called him an a**hole? Navarro is known for being difficult to work with, even among allies. His ex-campaign manager, Larry Remer, summed it up in The New Yorker, saying, “He’s an a**hole, and he’s unreliable.” That behaviour continued into his time in the Trump White House, where his abrasive style strained relationships with key officials and fuelled internal conflicts.

Peter Navarro, a trade hawk, is hogging limelight with acerbic remarks against India amid the Trump tariff war. He controversially called the Ukraine-Russia conflict "Modi's war," but is no stranger to controversy. Did you know he was even jailed once?

'Modi's war'? Peter Navarro, brain behind Trump tariffs, was once called an a**hole by his aid. His controversies prove it right

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7 times Peter Navarro proved his ex-aide, who called him an a**hole, right

7 times Peter Navarro, once called an a**hole, courted controversy