WWE-style shouting match: Inside the 'chest-to-chest' clash between Musk and Bessent outside the Oval office

Elon Musk and Scott Bessent had a ‘very loud’ shouting match in the West Wing

Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest man and apple of President Trump's eye, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent got involved in a 'chest to chest' heated shouting match outside the Oval Office, overheard by Trump and other White House officials during an Internal Revenue Service meeting.

The argument, described as 'chest to chest' and reminiscent of a professional wrestling showdown, unfolded in the White House halls. Witnesses told Axion that it was "not physical," President Trump observed that the tension carried on "down the hall."

Witnesses described the incident as resembling a 'WWE moment' in the West Wing, with one source telling Axios, "It was a scene to remember—extremely loud, and I mean, really loud."

The clash between Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stems from a deeper conflict over governance philosophies and a long-standing personal rivalry, dating back to the early days of Trump’s second term.

The immediate trigger for the argument was the leadership of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Trump had appointed Gary Shapley, a former IRS agent and whistleblower in the Hunter Biden investigation, as acting commissioner.

Musk strongly supported this decision. However, Bessent was pushing for Michael Faulkender, his deputy at the Treasury Department, to take on the role.

Bessent was reportedly upset that Musk bypassed the usual decision-making process and went directly to Trump to advocate for Shapley. This led to a heated confrontation between the two men during a White House meeting on April 18.

According to those familiar with the exchange, the discussion quickly escalated, with expletives flying. “F**k you,” Bessent shouted, and Musk responded, “Say it louder.” Eventually, an aide had to step in and physically separate them.

On Friday, just three days, Beasant won the fight after Trump removed Shapley and appointed Faulkender, Bessent’s original choice, as the acting commissioner.

In a formal statement announcing the change, Bessent did not acknowledge the internal tensions but highlighted restoring public trust in the IRS. “Trust must be brought back to the IRS, and I am fully confident that Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender is the right man for the moment,” he said.

The controversy spilled into the online sphere later that evening. Right-wing activist Laura Loomer criticised Bessent on X for his association with an entrepreneur she labelled a “Trump hater.”

Musk joined in, posting, “People can mask their true character, but not the character of their friends.”

The tension between Elon Musk and Scott Bessent can also be traced back to their contrasting personalities.

Musk is an ambitious, fast-paced, and often provocative business leader, eager to stir the conversation and make headlines, especially on social media.

In contrast, Bessent is a more thoughtful and reserved financial expert, preferring to focus on markets and policy rather than seeking the spotlight. Their different approaches to leadership and communication contribute to the friction between them.

A close ally of Bessent remarked, "Scott can't stand Musk." "Scott is so mild mannered, but he has his limits," the ally continued. "He can definitely roar."

Tensions escalated between Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Elon Musk when Bessent criticized Musk for overpromising and under-delivering on budget cuts related to DOGE. In response, Musk fired back, labeling Bessent a "Soros agent" and accusing him of running "a failed hedge fund."

The recent showdown between Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is just the latest chapter in a growing list of high-profile tensions between Musk and members of President Trump’s Cabinet. The outspoken Tesla CEO, who remains a prominent figure within Trump’s inner circle, has had no shortage of run-ins with top officials.

Among them is Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who traded barbs with Musk during a fiery Cabinet meeting earlier this year.

Sources say Musk brushed off Rubio with a sharp remark: “You’re good on TV,” in a jab at the senator’s media appearances.

Musk has also tangled with Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro, whom he mocked online with a derogatory nickname in protest of tariff policies that he believes hurt Tesla’s global supply chain.

These internal disputes have not dented Trump’s public support for Musk, who continues to be invited to high-level meetings and remains a key player behind some policy initiatives.

But behind the scenes, pressure has been mounting. Musk’s aggressive approach has drawn criticism following a string of political and financial setbacks—including a bruising loss in a Wisconsin judicial election, where he poured in substantial funding, and a downturn in Tesla’s market performance.

The White House did not deny reports of the tense exchange between Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, instead framing it as a sign of strong but acceptable internal debate.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt commented on Friday, saying, “Disagreements are a natural part of any healthy policymaking process. At the end of the day, everyone understands they serve at the discretion of President Trump.”

In a separate statement to The New York Times, Bessent said, “Restoring public trust in the IRS is essential, and I firmly believe Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender is the right person to lead during this critical time.”