Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent downplayed his reported feud with tech billionaire Elon Musk in a brand new interview, arguing that the 2 males merely have totally different working kinds.
“We now have had disagreements, however we each need to get to the identical place,” Bessent told New York Publish columnist Miranda Devine in an episode of her “Pod Pressure One” podcast launched Wednesday. “We each need to remove the waste, fraud and abuse in authorities.”
The Treasury secretary in contrast his view of Musk as embodying Silicon Valley’s “transfer quick, break issues” mindset versus his personal self-described deliberate “make things better” method.
“I feel Elon most likely fancies himself extra of a Viking; I feel I’m extra of a ninja,” Bessent mentioned.
After Musk’s dramatic and public fallout with President Trump earlier this month, longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon told The Washington Publish that the Tesla CEO and president had a heated change that led to a bodily altercation, which the White Home denied.
“Look, all people’s very captivated with doing the perfect job for President Trump and the American individuals,” Bessent informed Devine.
Bannon claimed that the Treasury chief known as Musk “a complete fraud” in a heated confrontation concerning the Division of Authorities Effectivity’s (DOGE) efforts to chop authorities spending, which Bessent also denied — even because the South Carolina native took an obvious swipe at South African-born Musk throughout a latest Congressional listening to.
“I am going to take South Carolina over South Africa any day,” Bessent informed lawmakers who prodded him concerning the reported conflict.
He spoke favorably about DOGE’s efforts throughout the brand new podcast interview.
“I consider DOGE as an ethos and to the extent that Elon has departed bodily, I feel that ethos is there and the momentum for what he’s achieved yield greater and larger financial savings over time,” Bessent mentioned.
Musk stepped down from his function advising the commission on the finish of Might, as his standing as a particular authorities worker lapsed. His opposition to the president’s “massive, lovely” spending bundle led to the public spat between him and Trump.
The tech billionaire later expressed regret for his half within the back and forth, saying his feedback went “method to far.” Regardless of recommendation from some allies, Trump has not proven curiosity in reconciling.