Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Bessent Reportedly Brawled at White House Over Economic Disputes
Rising tensions over Trump-era tariffs and internal power struggles culminated in a physical confrontation between Musk and Bessent, according to Steve Bannon.
Watan-According to The Washington Post, citing Steve Bannon—former adviser to President Donald Trump and influential right-wing commentator—U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and billionaire Elon Musk reportedly exchanged punches at the White House last April.
The report states that Musk’s “ruthless tactics, lack of political finesse, and ideological clashes with the Make America Great Again (MAGA) base” led to the deterioration of his relationships with top administration officials—ultimately including Trump himself.
Despite the tension, Trump and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller reportedly sided with Musk.
On April 2, when Trump introduced sweeping tariffs aimed at reshaping the global economy, Musk expressed his frustration publicly on X (formerly Twitter) and privately lobbied Trump to reverse the decision. Trump held firm, only softening his position days later after a steep drop in bond markets.
By mid-April, disagreements escalated over their preferences for the interim IRS commissioner, leading to a physical altercation. After leaving the Oval Office—where Trump had backed Bessent—Musk allegedly shoved his shoulder into Bessent’s ribs, prompting Bessent to strike back and call Musk a “fraud.”
Bannon stated that several people had to intervene to break up the fight. Trump later reportedly commented, “That’s too much.”
