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Confrontation in the Oval Office
A recent revelation from former Trump strategist Steve Bannon has shed light on an explosive incident involving billionaire Elon Musk during a meeting in the Oval Office. According to Bannon, Musk experienced a violent outburst during a heated exchange with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, which escalated beyond mere words.
Details of the Altercation
In an interview with the *Daily Mail*, Bannon detailed how the tension surfaced when Bessent confronted Musk regarding the disappointing results from the Department of Government Efficiency. He reportedly told Musk, “You promised us a trillion dollars in cuts, and now you’re at like $100 billion, and nobody can find anything, what are you doing?” This questioning seemed to provoke Musk, leading Bannon to claim, “That’s when Elon got physical. It’s a sore subject with him.”
Bannon further elaborated that the incident was not simply a verbal argument but indeed a physical confrontation, explaining, “Elon basically shoved him.” This incident took place during a tumultuous time for both men and highlighted the intense pressure in the administration as it sought to meet ambitious financial goals.
The Intensity of the Exchange
Bessent reportedly shouted at Musk during their clash in April, insisting, “F— you! F— you! F— you!” to which Musk retorted, “I can’t hear you. Say it louder.” / Nathan Howard/REUTERS
This astonishing confrontation reportedly unfolded in the Oval Office and migrated to the offices of the Chief of Staff and the National Security Adviser. Witnesses described the scene as resembling a scripted wrestling match, marked by the intensity of the exchange between the two powerful figures.
White House Reactions
In the wake of the confrontation, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the details surrounding the incident, noting it coincided with Musk’s final day serving as a special advisor to President Donald Trump. Leavitt stated, “It’s no secret President Trump has assembled a team of individuals who are deeply passionate about the issues affecting our country. Disagreements are a normal part of any healthy policy process, and everyone is aware they serve at the pleasure of President Trump.”
Further Controversies Unveiled
The incident arrives at a tumultuous time for Musk, following a report in the *New York Times* indicating that he may have been using a blend of recreational drugs, including ketamine and ecstasy, while on the campaign trail with Trump. This adds another layer of controversy, as it raises questions about Musk’s judgment and stability during his involvement with the administration.
Reflections on Administration Dynamics
Initially reported in April, the physical nature of the confrontation has only now surfaced in detail. Witnesses described it as a rare display of aggression between two influential figures amid the Dana’s broader political setting. As Bannon puts it, this altercation was emblematic of the volatile dynamics that characterized interactions within the Trump administration.
Implications for Musk’s Future
Bannon, who has been vocal in his criticism of Musk, claimed that President Trump “100%” sided with Bessent after the altercation. This aligns with a separate tumultuous encounter from March, where Musk and Secretary of State Marco Rubio clashed over significant layoffs at the Department of Government Efficiency. Following this, Trump publicly shared his intentions to tighten Musk’s cost-cutting measures.
As Musk’s involvement with the White House comes to an end, he has started expressing his uncertainties regarding the administration. Despite agreeing with many policies, Musk conveyed conflicting feelings about being tied to all actions taken by the White House during an interview, stating that he feels “stuck” between his support for various initiatives and a desire to distance himself from broader controversies.
