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What the White House said about claims Musk ‘bodychecked’ Treasury secretary

Musk was involved in a ‘disagreement’ with Scott Bessent, according to the White House
Musk was involved in a ‘disagreement’ with Scott Bessent, according to the White House (Getty)
  • White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has denied rumors of a physical altercation between Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
  • Steve Bannon claimed Musk body-checked Bessent during a White House incident in mid-April after disagreements over the IRS commissioner selection.
  • Leavitt acknowledged a disagreement between Musk and cabinet members but denied it was a "fistfight."
  • The Washington Post reported the conflict arose after Trump chose Bessent's IRS pick, leading to insults and the alleged physical altercation.
  • News of the scuffle follows a public dispute between Musk and Trump, who stated he has "no intention" of speaking to Musk due to disrespect.
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