US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent downplayed his reported feud with billionaire Elon Musk, describing their variations as rooted in private kinds quite than ideology.
“Now we have had disagreements, however we each wish to get to the identical place,” Bessent mentioned throughout an look on Miranda Devine’s Pod Pressure One podcast. “We each wish to get rid of the waste, fraud and abuse in authorities.”
“I’m a Ninja, he’s a Viking”
Evaluating their operational kinds, Bessent remarked: “The Silicon Valley mode of operation is transfer rapidly and break issues. I all the time say right here at Treasury we transfer intentionally and sort things.”
“I feel Elon most likely fancies himself extra of a Viking. I feel I’m extra of a ninja.”
Conflict over IRS choose in April
The tensions reportedly escalated in April when Musk and Bessent backed totally different candidates for the Inner Income Service’s high job. President Trump finally sided with Bessent’s advice, as reported by The New York Occasions and The Washington Put up.
In response to MAGA podcaster Steve Bannon, the disagreement culminated in a bodily confrontation.
“Scott mentioned, ‘You’re a fraud. You’re a complete fraud,’” Bannon mentioned as reported by The Washington Put up, alleging that Musk then body-checked Bessent “like a rugby participant”.
Bessent has not confirmed the bodily altercation.
Trump although later acknowledged there was an “argument” between the 2.
Musk’s exit and Trump’s response
Musk just lately ended his stint as a particular authorities worker and had a quick public falling out with Trump, although he later appeared to precise remorse.
“Look, all people’s very keen about doing the very best job for President Trump and the American individuals,” Bessent mentioned.
