Tensions inside President Donald Trump’s second-term administration reached a boiling point when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clashed with Elon Musk in a dramatic confrontation that rocked the White House where even expletives were thrown at each other. The explosive incident, sparked by a dispute over control of the IRS, exposed deep divisions within the Cabinet and raised serious questions about Musk’s role in government.
According to reports from inside the West Wing, Bessent erupted after discovering that Musk had tried to install his preferred IRS chief—without proper approval. The shouting match was so intense it could be heard from the Oval Office. Despite Musk’s attempts to mock Bessent’s financial past, the Treasury Secretary emerged victorious, and Musk’s nominee was removed within days.
This showdown was just the latest in a string of internal battles sparked by Musk’s controversial leadership of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Brought in to eliminate $2 trillion in waste, Musk’s aggressive tactics—ranging from mass firing threats to rigid employee reporting mandates—have instead triggered chaos, legal battles, and widespread resistance across federal agencies.
Behind closed doors, Trump’s Cabinet had grown weary. One senior official sarcastically questioned Musk’s strict “three reports per week” policy, asking, “How many careers were wrecked over that nonsense?”
In March, the pressure finally reached its breaking point. At a closed-door Cabinet meeting, President Trump reportedly told his team to speak freely—and they did. Multiple cabinet members, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, directly challenged Musk’s erratic style. According to insiders, Trump was impressed by Rubio’s resolve, marking a turning point in their relationship.
Then came a major national security embarrassment: Musk was set to receive a classified Pentagon briefing on China, but after the plan leaked to the press, President Trump swiftly canceled it. Conservative firebrand Steve Bannon summed it up clearly: “The Musk fever had broken.”
Now, with Musk’s influence diminished, President Trump’s Cabinet is reasserting control—refocusing the administration’s efforts on stability, strong leadership, and putting America First.