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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Madeline Sherratt

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

  • 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.

IN FULL

White House press secretary Leavitt plays down Musk ‘fistfight’ reports: ‘It was definitely a disagreement’

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