In a scene that could only be described as “WWE meets West Wing,” Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly engaged in a heated shouting match within earshot of Donald Trump. The dispute centered around the appointment of the acting IRS commissioner, with Musk advocating for Gary Shapley and Bessent supporting his deputy, Michael Faulkender.

Witnesses likened the altercation to a wrestling match, complete with “F-bombs” and accusations. Bessent accused Musk of bypassing him to install Shapley, while Musk retaliated by calling Bessent a “Soros agent” and criticizing his financial background.

The South African billionaire calling the hedge fund manager a “Soros agent” is a reference to a widespread antisemitic conspiracy about the Democratic Party being entirely funded and paid for by George Soros as a shadowy puppet master controlling the left.

One source with insider knowledge of the White House said, “Elon was shouting and rambling and Scott just wasn’t putting up with it.”

The shouting match between the two men escalated to the point where a White House aide reportedly had to “physically separate them.”

One witness claimed, “They were not physical in the Oval, but the president saw it, and then they carried it down the hall, and that’s when they did it again.”

Another source who was there for the dispute between Musk and Bessent said “there is no love lost” between the two billionaires. Bessent also criticized Musk’s lackluster performance with the Department of Government Efficiency’s cost-cutting effort. A source from within the Treasury Department claimed Bessent “can’t stand” Musk, who is expected to step back from his unpaid role at the White House after months of controversy and bad press.

The confrontation highlights the ongoing power struggles within the Trump administration, particularly involving Musk’s role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk’s aggressive reforms and attempts to influence agency operations have caused friction with other officials, leading to a series of high-profile disputes.

Following the clash, President Trump sided with Bessent, replacing Shapley with Faulkender as the acting IRS commissioner. This decision underscores the complex dynamics and internal conflicts that continue to shape the administration’s approach to governance.

In the aftermath, Musk announced plans to reduce his involvement with DOGE, citing a desire to refocus on his private enterprises, including Tesla. This move may signal a shift in the administration’s reform momentum, as control reverts to agency heads and cabinet officials who have resisted Musk’s approach.

The incident serves as a vivid example of the volatile interactions within the highest levels of government, where personal ambitions and ideological differences often collide. As the administration navigates these challenges, the balance between corporate influence and traditional governance remains a contentious issue.