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U.S. Treasury Secretary vs. Elon Musk
Reports indicate that multiple witnesses confirmed the volume of the argument was so loud it startled the entire West Wing of the White House. Witnesses described it as “like two middle-aged billionaires putting on a WWE wrestling show in the White House corridor.” The conflict even caught the attention of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who was visiting that day.
The conflict reportedly ignited on April 16, when Donald Trump appointed Gary Shapley, backed by Elon Musk, as the acting IRS director. However, Scott Bessent had originally pushed for Michael Faulkender, the Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, to take over. He pressured Donald Trump, believing Elon Musk was privately interfering and undermining team operations.
By last Thursday, Scott Bessent confronted Elon Musk directly in the White House, with expletives being exchanged, and the situation escalated to the point where aides had to intervene to separate the two. Two sources who heard the argument reported that Scott Bessent even shouted, “Fk you,” to which Elon Musk retorted, “Say that again, louder.”
Did Scott Bessent Win This Round?
However, the following day, the New York Times reported that Donald Trump had replaced Gary Shapley with Michael Faulkender, supported by Scott Bessent, as the acting IRS director, leading the public to interpret this as Scott Bessent winning this round.
This dispute is not an isolated incident; in fact, the rift between Elon Musk and Scott Bessent was seeded during the transition of power. At that time, Elon Musk strongly lobbied for Howard Lutnick to be appointed as Treasury Secretary, but Donald Trump ultimately chose Scott Bessent and arranged for Howard Lutnick to head the Commerce Department. Since then, Elon Musk and Scott Bessent have clashed multiple times over personnel and budgetary control at the Treasury Department.
In response to this incident, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt downplayed the conflict, stating:
“President Donald Trump’s team is filled with individuals who have a strong passion for national issues; disagreements are a normal part of the policy process, and ultimately everyone knows they are serving the President.”
This Conflict is Not an Isolated Incident
Insiders in the White House analyze that this conflict is not just a matter of policy disagreement but also a clash of personal styles. Elon Musk is known for his “rapid action and willingness to break the norm,” and is eager to push for reforms in DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency). In contrast, Scott Bessent is a low-key financial expert with a strong academic background, more adept at articulating market trends than engaging in media disputes. One insider noted:
“Scott Bessent, although usually refined and polite, can also explode. His dissatisfaction with Elon Musk has been building for a long time.”
After the argument, social media quickly ignited a storm of public opinion. Donald Trump supporter Laura Loomer attacked Scott Bessent on X (formerly Twitter) that night, accusing him of allowing “anti-Trump elements” to enter the Treasury Department for events. Elon Musk also responded to the post at 11 PM, calling it “concerning.”
Currently, both Elon Musk and Scott Bessent show no intention of reconciliation, and insiders at the White House are worried that this internal strife will continue to escalate. One official admitted: “Scott Bessent won this time, but I wouldn’t want to make Elon Musk an enemy.” Although both have contributed to the vision of the federal government efficiency department (DOGE), Elon Musk’s radical and straightforward approach has clearly unsettled some government officials. As one insider remarked:
“Everyone thinks DOGE is a good idea, but Elon Musk’s approach is really hard to tolerate.”
