Musk, Bessent Feud Over IRS Leadership Escalates

Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent engaged in a heated argument at the White House over the appointment of the acting IRS commissioner, with Musk advocating for Gary Shapley and Bessent supporting Michael Faulkender. The confrontation escalated with Musk calling Bessent a 'Soros agent' and Bessent criticizing Musk for overpromising on federal budget cuts. President Trump initially appointed Shapley at Musk's urging but later replaced him with Faulkender, siding with Bessent. The altercation, which required intervention from aides, underscored divisions within Trump's cabinet over reform strategies. Following the incident, Musk announced he would reduce his involvement in government efficiency efforts, a move welcomed by Tesla investors. White House officials downplayed the clash as part of a normal policy process.