Overview

• Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had a loud argument in the West Wing over the leadership of the IRS.
• Bessent appointed his deputy, Michael Faulkender, as acting IRS head, bypassing Trump's earlier selection of Gary Shapley.
• Reports suggest Bessent's decision to appoint Faulkender was made at Musk's request, fueling the dispute.
• President Trump was reportedly within earshot during the confrontation, which spilled into the hallway but did not turn physical.
• The incident underscores ongoing friction within the Trump administration over Musk's influence on federal appointments.