Overview

• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described his approach to cutting waste in government as more methodical and “ninja”-like, contrasting it with Musk’s “move fast and break things” Viking style.
• Elon Musk formally ended his role as a special government employee at the end of May after clashing over IRS leadership and government spending cuts.
• Bessent denied calling Musk “a total fraud” during their April confrontation and said he could not confirm reports of a physical altercation.
• Despite Musk’s public fallout with President Trump earlier this month, the Department of Government Efficiency initiative remains backed by the Treasury and continues to seek big spending savings.
• The feud underscores deeper divisions within President Trump’s administration over the pace and tactics of the government efficiency agenda.