U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent physically struck Elon Musk during a confrontation at the White House in April, according to a report by The Washington Post citing multiple sources, including former Trump advisor Steve Bannon.
The dispute reportedly erupted over a disagreement on the appointment of the acting head of the Internal Revenue Service. Both men had proposed different candidates. President Donald Trump ultimately supported Bessent’s choice, triggering tension between the two.
The clash reportedly began as a verbal argument as Bessent and Musk were leaving a meeting and walking down a White House corridor. According to Bannon’s account, Bessent accused Musk of being a “fraud,” alleging Musk had exaggerated the impact of his cost-saving initiatives linked to his DOGE-affiliated projects.
Musk responded by ramming his shoulder into Bessent’s side, in what Bannon described as a rugby-style move. Bessent then reportedly struck Musk in return.
Several individuals intervened to separate the two, according to The Washington Post. The altercation adds to ongoing reports of internal tensions within Trump’s circle as the administration approaches key election preparations.
Neither Musk nor Bessent has commented publicly on the incident.
HT
