“I don’t need Elon to do anything, I don’t need his cars, I just happen to like him.”

Trump made this remark about his relationship with Musk during a cabinet meeting.

Trump's statement contrasts sharply with what he said at a cabinet meeting in late February: “Is anyone unhappy with Elon? If so, we’ll get rid of him.”

This inevitably led to speculation about his relationship with Musk: Is the once-close 'Trump-Musk duo' really going their separate ways?

The rift between Trump and Musk seems to be widening.

Recently, as a series of extreme policies from Trump have caused significant turmoil, his administration has also seen an increase in internal divisions due to conflicts of interest.

As one of the key figures in Trump’s return to the White House, Musk is experiencing the backlash of Washington’s power games, caught in a dilemma.

Musk and Besant's verbal battle ignites conflict.

Compared to the past few months when he dominated social media headlines almost daily, Musk has recently not only reduced his public appearances and remained silent on social media, but even the typically high-profile Tesla launch events have quietly cooled down.

Just as people were speculating whether he was stepping back and gradually fading out of Trump’s core power circle, a major news story ignited global public opinion.

The two men faced off fiercely, arguing so passionately that an aide had to step in to separate them, even alarming Italian Prime Minister Meloni, who was meeting with Trump.

Insiders revealed that Musk and Besant’s quarrel stemmed from a disagreement over the nominee for the IRS acting director.

Trump had appointed Sharpley, a former IRS official recommended by Musk, as the acting director, but Besant wanted Deputy Treasury Secretary Falkend to take the position.

To this end, Besant reported to Trump that the IRS should report directly to the Treasury Secretary, but Musk bypassed him and used informal channels to make Sharpley the acting director.

The day after their argument, Falkend succeeded Sharpley as head of the IRS — it is clear that Trump did not side with Musk this time, and this verbal battle ended with a significant victory for Besant.