Elon Musk’s Tumultuous Exit from Washington: From Starlink Praise to Alleged Physical Altercation

Elon Musk's brief stint as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has come to an end, marked by both accolades and controversy. From President Trump's surprising admission about Starlink to allegations of a physical altercation with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Musk's departure has been anything but quiet. Was his time in Washington a success, or a 'black eye' as some have suggested?

Trump Praises Musk, Admits Starlink Ignorance

Despite the controversies, President Trump publicly praised Musk, even admitting he "didn’t have any idea what the hell Starlink was" until recently. He credited Musk for saving lives with Starlink following a hurricane. "Frankly, I don't think he gets credit for what it's done, but he's a very good person," Trump stated. Musk, in turn, pledged to remain a "friend and advisor" to the President.

A Golden Key and Lingering Questions

In a formal send-off, Mr. Trump presented Elon Musk with a golden key emblazoned with the White House insignia. However, Musk's departure leaves behind questions about his promise to cut $1 trillion from the federal budget. While significant personal benefits accrued to Musk, including allies appointed to key positions at NASA and the Air Force, his actual achievements in cost-cutting remain debated.

Steve Bannon Alleges Physical Confrontation

Adding fuel to the fire, Steve Bannon alleged a "physical confrontation" between Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. According to Bannon, Bessent confronted Musk about his unfulfilled promise of $1 trillion in budget cuts, leading to Musk allegedly "shoving" the 62-year-old Treasury Secretary. Trump reportedly sided with Bessent after the alleged clash.

"Scott Bessent called him out and said, 'You promised us a trillion dollars in cuts, and now you're at like $100 billion. Nobody can find any savings. What are you doing?'" Bannon recounted. "And that's when Elon got physical. It's a sore subject with him," Bannon said.

Drug Allegations and a Black Eye

Adding to the drama, Musk faced scrutiny over a New York Times report alleging his drug use. At a press conference, Musk dismissed the allegations. Notably, Musk appeared with a black eye, joking that it wasn't from France, but rather from his 5-year-old son, X, who punched him in the face during playtime.

Fallout and Future Impact

Bannon argues Musk's influence waned after a leaked briefing on China was abruptly cancelled. He suggests that people realized Musk "didn't have any idea what he's doing.” Critics also point to declining approval ratings for Musk and his companies, Tesla and SpaceX.

While Musk's time in Washington was short-lived, its impact is undeniable. Whether viewed as a champion of efficiency or a disruptive force, his departure leaves behind a mix of achievements, controversies, and unanswered questions.

What do you think about Elon Musk's time in Washington? Did he achieve anything meaningful? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

• Donald Trump
• Elon Musk
• Starlink