Corridor Clash: Bessent and Musk’s Fiery Debate
The corridors of power witnessed an unusual brawl when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and tech titan Elon Musk engaged in a heated exchange within the White House. Despite the uproar, Bessent firmly denies delivering a black eye to Musk, which became the talk of the town shortly after the conflict.
Tempers Flare Over IRS Leadership
Tensions reached a boiling point when Bessent objected to Musk’s lobbying efforts for Gary Shapley’s appointment as acting commissioner of the IRS, a move that reportedly blindsided Bessent who preferred Michael Faulkender for the role. The confrontation grew intensely personal, with expletives flying.
From Rib Jabs to Rumors
The encounter reportedly escalated with Musk allegedly thrusting his shoulder into Bessent’s ribs—an allegation emphasized by Steve Bannon, as reported by The Washington Post. However, no clear evidence has surfaced to pin the notorious black eye on Bessent.
Musk’s Humorous Injury Explanation
In the aftermath, Musk appeared in a public White House appearance, sporting a noticeable bruise. The Black Eye Mystery only deepened when Musk humorously recounted his son, Lil’ X, delivering the unintended punch during a playful moment, dismissing any foreign conspiracy theories linked to France’s President Macron.
Misdirection or Mischief?
The playful admissions and diplomatic deflection from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who downplayed the altercation as a normal political skirmish, suggest a different layer of White House antics. According to The Daily Beast, the scene speaks volumes about the unpredictable human dynamics within sensitive power corridors.
The Treasury Department and Musk’s representatives have remained quiet, allowing the mystery—and speculation—to thrive.