The Washington Post reported on June 6 that Former White House strategist Steve Bannon disclosed that Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent engaged in a physical confrontation at the White House in April, leading to Musk's diminished influence with President Donald Trump.
Clash Over IRS Leadership
The altercation erupted during a dispute about IRS reforms, with both presenting competing proposals to Trump. Bannon stated Trump ultimately endorsed Bessent's plan. As they exited the Oval Office—where Trump was meeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni—the argument escalated into "screaming obscenities" in the hallway.
Physical Confrontation Details
Bessent accused Musk's "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) team of pushing unrealistic US$1 trillion federal spending cuts, shouting: You're a liar. A complete and total liar. Musk then "charged like an American football player," ramming his shoulder into Bessenat's ribs. Bessenat retaliated physically before staffers intervened near the National Security Advisor's office. Musk was expelled from the West Wing.
Aftermath
Trump reportedly deemed the incident "way out of line," with Bannon confirming that Trump "100 percent" sided with Bessent. Musk subsequently announced plans in late April to distance himself from the White House and focus on Tesla.
Suspicions arose when Musk appeared at a May 30 White House farewell event with a bruised eye, claimed to be from his five-year-old son, now widely linked to the April altercation following the Post's revelation.
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