Billionaire Elon Musk and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent got into a fierce argument in the presence of President Donald Trump, Axios reports, citing two witnesses to the altercation and three sources familiar with the situation.
"It was a real scene. It was loud," said the source of the publication.
"Two middle-aged billionaires met in the lobby of the West Wing (of the White House) and decided that this (wrestling show) was WWE," another source said
According to Axios, Musk called Bessent an "agent of Soros" (he worked for several years in the investment structure of billionaire George Soros Soros Fund Management). The minister at some point in the altercation shouted "f*ck you," to which Musk replied: "Say it louder."
The conflict was so acute that an assistant stood between the two men to separate them. Swearing was heard by Italian Prime Minister George Meloni, who visited the White House that day.
The incident occurred a week ago, on April 17. As reported by The New Yokr Times, the reason was the appointment of the commissioner of the US Internal Revenue Service — they will be Deputy Finance Minister Michael Falkender. According to the publication, Bessent was previously unhappy that Musk had succeeded in appointing the previous head of the department, Gary Shepley, the day before, although the organization is subordinate to the Ministry of Finance.
The White House did not refute Axios' information, saying that "disagreements sometimes arise" between the president's subordinates and cabinet members.
"We believe that this is part of a healthy discussion process. And everyone knows that President Trump ultimately makes the decisions," said administration spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt.
Musk and Bessent have been in conflict for several months, Axios reminds. During Trump's selection of the composition of his cabinet, the billionaire sought appointment to the post of Minister of Finance Howard Lutnik, but the position was given to a Resident.
Elon Musk is the richest man in the world. Forbes estimates his fortune at $ 368.8 billion. Scott Bessent is not a billionaire, his fortune is $ 521 million, RBC reminds.
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