Elon Musk, Treasury Secretary Clash Over IRS Appointment
1min read Last week, a heated argument erupted between Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual, and the US Treasury Secretary at the White House. The dispute centered around the appointment of a temporary commissioner for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Musk advocated for the appointment of a former IRS agent who had leaked details about the taxes of Joe Biden’s son. The Treasury Secretary, however, favored his deputy to serve as the acting commissioner until the Senate confirmed a former Missouri congressman for the role.
The argument escalated during a meeting in the West Wing, with witnesses describing the exchange as a "professional wrestling-style shouting match." The confrontation became so intense that a White House aide had to intervene to separate the two men. The dispute was reportedly sparked by Musk's direct appeal to President Trump to appoint the former IRS agent, bypassing the Treasury Secretary's authority.
The Treasury Secretary, known for his mild manner, aggressively confronted Musk, leading to a heated exchange that included profanity. One witness described the scene as "quite a scene" and "loud," while another compared it to a "WWE" match in the halls of the West Wing. The argument was so intense that it continued even after the two men were separated, with President Trump witnessing part of the altercation.
The roots of the tension between Musk and the Treasury Secretary date back to Musk's unsuccessful attempt to have a longtime friend of Trump appointed to the Treasury role. Trump ultimately chose the Treasury Secretary for the position, leading to a long-standing animosity between the two men. An ally of the Treasury Secretary described the relationship as deeply strained, with the Treasury Secretary reportedly harboring a strong dislike for Musk.
The White House has not denied the incident, with the Press Secretary stating that disagreements are a normal part of the policy process. The Press Secretary emphasized that all officials serve at the pleasure of President Trump, implying that such conflicts are to be expected in a high-stakes environment.
The argument highlights the intense personalities and competing interests within the Trump administration, where disagreements over policy and personnel can lead to heated confrontations. The incident also underscores the complex dynamics at play within the White House, where powerful figures often clash over key appointments and policy decisions.
