“Massive Blowup” at Mar-a-Lago: Elon Musk and Boris Epshteyn Clash Over Trump Cabinet Picks
(Photo: Elon Musk IANS)
Tensions within Donald Trump’s inner circle are boiling over as advisers Elon Musk and Boris Epshteyn engage in a fierce power struggle over key Cabinet nominations, according to a new report by Axios. Musk, who became a prominent figure in Trump’s orbit after contributing roughly $200 million to the president-elect’s re-election campaign, is already at odds with Epshteyn, a long-time Trump loyalist.
Sources described their relationship as “rocky,” culminating in a heated argument at Mar-a-Lago last week. “Their rocky relationship came to a head last Wednesday during a heated discussion at a dinner table in front of other guests at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club,” the Axios report stated.
“At one point during what the sources described as a ‘massive blowup’ and a ‘huge explosion,’ Musk accused Epshteyn of leaking details of Trump’s transition — including personnel picks — to the media. Epshteyn responded by telling Musk that he didn’t know what he was talking about.”
The argument highlights deeper disagreements over Cabinet picks. Epshteyn reportedly advocated for former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) as attorney general, a choice Musk questioned, along with Epshteyn’s influence over other Justice Department nominations. Musk’s criticism didn’t sit well with Epshteyn, further escalating tensions.
On the financial front, Musk has been lobbying for Trump transition co-chair Howard Lutnick as treasury secretary, rejecting Wall Street favorite Scott Bessent. “Bessent is a business-as-usual choice, whereas [Lutnick] will actually enact change,” Musk posted on his X platform. “Business-as-usual is driving America bankrupt.”
While Musk has the support of key figures like Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, and Trump’s two eldest sons, his growing influence at Mar-a-Lago has reportedly irked other long-time Trump confidants.
The friction is emblematic of the challenges Trump faces as he balances the demands of a divided advisory team. Musk’s disruptive style and desire to shake up Washington are colliding with Epshteyn’s steadfast loyalty and preference for maintaining traditional Republican allies.
With Trump’s Cabinet selections still taking shape, this “massive blowup” underscores the high stakes and internal discord as the administration-in-waiting navigates these pivotal decisions. Whether Musk and Epshteyn can put aside their differences remains to be seen, but their rivalry is already reshaping the dynamics within Trump’s closest circle.
