Bessent Breaks Silence About Feud With Musk
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a new interview, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pushed back on media narratives of a feud with Elon Musk, insisting both men are aligned in their mission to support President Donald J. Trump and drain the swamp of government waste and abuse.
“We’ve had disagreements,” Bessent told Pod Force One host Miranda Devine, “but we’re aiming for the same destination—cutting fraud, cutting abuse, and saving taxpayer dollars.”
🔹 Musk’s Exit from DOGE Sparks Media Frenzy
Elon Musk recently stepped down from his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) after internal clashes over the IRS leadership reportedly led to a confrontation with Bessent.
According to reports from The New York Times and Axios, the two men engaged in a shouting match—within earshot of President Trump himself.
The Washington Post even alleged that Trump ally Steve Bannon was briefed on a heated exchange that may have turned physical.
But Bessent says it’s overblown.
🔹 Two Styles, One Goal: Serving President Trump
“Elon moves fast. He’s a Viking,” Bessent said. “I’m more of a ninja. I prefer to strike quietly and move on. But both of us are committed to President Trump’s vision for a more efficient, accountable federal government.”
“What happened behind closed doors was simply passionate Americans debating how to best serve the president and the people,” Bessent explained.
🔹 Musk’s Impact Lives On
While Musk may have left DOGE in May, Bessent says the billionaire’s contributions continue to ripple through the administration’s cost-cutting reforms.
“DOGE is more than a department—it’s a mindset,” Bessent said. “The savings Elon helped unlock are only going to grow. That’s the beauty of it.”
🔹 A Spat Over Trump’s “Big, Beautiful” Spending Plan
Musk’s exit reportedly followed his vocal disagreement with President Trump’s new infrastructure and defense spending plan—a hallmark of the president’s second-term economic revival strategy.
Their disagreement went public, but insiders say the mutual respect remains intact.
“At the end of the day, we’re all working to restore integrity and efficiency to Washington,” Bessent said. “And that’s exactly what President Trump expects from us.”
⭐ Why This Story Matters to You
- Trump’s team remains focused on cutting bureaucratic waste
- Elon Musk’s legacy of reform continues to drive savings
- Scott Bessent’s leadership signals steady, results-driven accountability