Elon Musk once again found himself in the middle of a political firestorm – not for Tesla or SpaceX this time, but for a dramatic altercation with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The long-simmering tension between the two culminated in a physical fight inside the White House.
👊 What exactly happened?
According to The Washington Post, the incident occurred in April. The conflict centered around who should be appointed acting commissioner of the IRS. Musk had his eyes on the position, but Donald Trump sided with Bessent, leaving Musk furious. As the two men exited the Oval Office, the argument escalated into a shouting match.
Steve Bannon later revealed that Bessent accused Musk of being a fraud, referring to Elon’s unfulfilled promise to save the government over $1 trillion. Musk reportedly responded by jabbing Bessent in the ribs like an NFL locker room scuffle. Bessent hit back, and the confrontation only ended when White House staff stepped in and escorted Musk out of the building.
🚨 Musk’s Washington Influence Is Fading
At the beginning of the year, Musk was one of Trump’s closest allies — even staying in the Lincoln Bedroom. He wielded serious power, with his agency DOGE slashing budgets, laying off federal employees, and dismantling aid programs.
But internally, Musk was seen as reckless. In February, he shocked federal officials — including judges — by emailing them demanding a list of their “achievements.” It was clear to many that Musk lacked an understanding of how the government works.
While Trump and adviser Stephen Miller still supported him, others like Susie Wiles had grown tired of the chaos. Public support for Musk’s political role also plummeted. Protesters waved signs reading "No one voted for Elon Musk."
Then came the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, where Musk backed a pro-Trump candidate who lost badly. The defeat served as a warning to Republicans that Musk might be more liability than asset.
📉 Tariffs, Insults, and the Final Straw
On April 2, Trump repealed new tariffs. Musk blasted the move on X, calling Trump adviser Peter Navarro a “moron” and begging Trump to reinstate the duties. Trump ignored him. Markets took a hit, and Musk’s credibility in D.C. collapsed. That rough week led directly to his explosive clash with Bessent.
🛰️ NASA Nomination Collapses
After the altercation, Musk announced he would step back to focus on Tesla, managing DOGE remotely. But his opponents weren’t done yet.
Jared Isaacman, Musk’s pick to lead NASA and a key figure in his Mars ambitions, had donated to Democrats. Sergio Gor, Trump’s personnel director, revealed documentation of the donations. Trump swiftly killed the nomination.
Musk suspects Gor was also behind negative leaks to The New York Times. The two had clashed for months over staffing. For Gor, this was revenge — and he got it.
Trump spokesman Steven Cheung backed the move: “Sergio is a vital part of the team and helped the president build an unmatched administration.”
📺 TV Confrontation and Trump's Silence
Meanwhile, Fox host Maria Bartiromo grilled Trump aide Karoline Leavitt live on air, asking whether Musk really assaulted the Treasury Secretary. Leavitt laughed nervously and downplayed it as a “disagreement.” But Maria pressed harder: “Was it a fight?”
Leavitt responded: “I wouldn’t call it a fistfight, Maria. It was definitely a disagreement. I wasn’t there, but I heard second-hand.”
Trump has remained mostly silent, but behind closed doors, he’s reportedly furious. He’s allegedly called Musk a “huge druggie,” referencing reports of ketamine and Adderall use. The New York Times even reported that Musk’s drug use may be affecting his bladder.
Sources say Trump wants no more public drama and has instructed allies like J.D. Vance to keep quiet. But the damage is already done.
💬 Republican Anxiety Grows
Trump also posted on Truth Social calling for more oversight of Musk’s government contracts. Some Republicans fear Musk could retaliate — or even launch a third political party.
Senator Ted Cruz summed it up in his podcast: “It feels like being a kid of divorced parents. I just wish mom and dad would stop yelling.”
By the end of April, Elon Musk had no real influence left in Washington. His NASA dreams were dead, and the brawl with Bessent was the final headline in a very public fall from political grace.
#ElonMusk , #TRUMP , #Bessent , #worldnews , #USPolitics
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