Elon Musk received a black eye during a scuffle with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent shortly after leaving President Donald Trump’s office, The Washington Post reports.
According to former presidential adviser Steve Bannon, the argument erupted over the appointment of a new Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. During the exchange, Bessent reminded Musk of his earlier promise to cut $1 trillion in inefficient government spending and reportedly accused him of being a fraud.
Musk pushed Bessent in response, prompting the Secretary to punch him in the face. The situation escalated into a physical fight, which White House staff quickly broke up. Security then escorted Musk out of the West Wing.
Bannon said the incident deeply angered President Trump. While Musk did not face immediate repercussions, the altercation significantly strained his relationship with the president.
Musk’s black eye was later visible during a joint press conference with Trump, marking the end of Musk’s term as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). At the event, Musk claimed the injury occurred while playing with his son.
Previously, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported on how the public dispute between Musk and Trump affected Tesla’s stock performance.
