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Topline
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed reports of a confrontation between President Donald Trump’s key adviser Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, stating that disagreements are integral to a “healthy debate process.”
White House Senior Advisor Elon Musk walks to the White House after landing in Marine One on the South Lawn with President Donald Trump on March 9, 2025, in Washington, DC.
Key Facts
Axios has reported that Bessent and Musk engaged in a loud argument in the presence of Trump and others during a discussion about IRS matters at the White House last week.
When questioned by reporters on Wednesday, Leavitt maintained that, “Disagreements amongst the president’s staff and Cabinet are not uncommon, and they fuel the healthy debate process. Ultimately, decision-making rests with President Trump.”
The New York Times previously noted Bessent’s grievances regarding Musk’s unilateral appointment of Gary Shapley—who has since been dismissed—as acting director of the IRS without his consent.
Leavitt echoed a similar sentiment in her comments to the Times, emphasizing that the president has surrounded himself with individuals who are passionately engaged with the pressing issues facing the nation. “Disagreements are a standard element of any healthy policy process,” she remarked.
Crucial Quote
A witness characterized the altercation in dramatic terms, recounting, “It was like watching two billionaire, middle-aged men think they were in WWE, right in the West Wing.” Another observer described the incident as a “loud” affair, underscoring the turmoil of the moment.
Key Background
Elon Musk has been advising Trump since January, where he oversees the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as a special government employee. His role has faced scrutiny, especially given the agency’s push to decrease the federal workforce and cut spending. Reports from Challenger, Gray & Christmas estimate that DOGE has facilitated approximately 280,253 layoffs across 27 federal entities. These layoffs have prompted various legal challenges, resulting in some employees being reinstated. Musk has admitted that while the agency strives to implement rapid changes, mistakes are inevitable, expressing confidence in their ability to rectify any issues swiftly.
Tangent
Recently, Musk indicated that his involvement with the Trump administration will significantly decrease next month, although he intends to dedicate a limited amount of time to governmental work “as long as it proves beneficial and is requested by the president.” Meanwhile, Musk plans to focus more on Tesla, which recently reported its lowest quarterly profit since 2021.
Forbes Valuation
As of now, Forbes estimates Musk’s net worth at approximately $368.8 billion, positioning him as the richest individual globally.
Further Reading
Scoop: Musk vs. Bessent dispute erupted into West Wing shouting match (Axios)
I.R.S. Head Is Ousted in Treasury Leader Bessent’s Struggle With Musk (New York Times)
Musk Says He’ll Significantly Cut Back Time At DOGE, Push Trump For Lower Tariffs (Forbes)
Source
www.forbes.com