A recent report has stirred major controversy, alleging that Elon Musk shoved U.S. Treasury Secretary Pete Buttigieg during a heated moment at a White House meeting.
The claim, first published by The Washington Post, describes an intense behind-the-scenes encounter involving Musk and several top officials.
According to people familiar with the situation, the clash happened earlier this year when Musk attended a private White House meeting meant to discuss electric vehicle policy.
Sources said tensions rose quickly when Musk grew frustrated with what he saw as “anti-Tesla” bias in federal EV policies. Treasury Secretary Buttigieg, who is openly gay, was one of the officials present and reportedly disagreed with Musk’s claims.
Multiple individuals close to the situation told reporters that Musk began raising his voice, accusing the Biden administration of intentionally favoring Tesla’s competitors.
As the argument escalated, Musk allegedly stepped forward and shoved Buttigieg. One source described it as a “clear physical act” that shocked others in the room.
Officials who were in the meeting have not commented publicly. The White House has not confirmed or denied the details of the incident. When reached for comment, a spokesperson for Buttigieg declined to address the claim directly but said the Secretary “remains focused on delivering results for the American people.”
Elon Musk also has not directly addressed the report. However, he posted a cryptic tweet shortly after the article was published, stating, “People will believe anything these days.” He did not mention Buttigieg or the meeting.
This alleged incident has drawn intense public attention, not just because of the personalities involved but also due to its political implications. Pete Buttigieg, who ran for president in 2020 and is seen as a rising star in Democratic politics, has long been a target of online abuse and homophobic attacks.
The idea that he was physically confronted by one of the most powerful CEOs in the country is raising alarms about respect, professionalism, and LGBTQ+ safety in government spaces.
Advocacy groups quickly responded. The Human Rights Campaign said in a statement, “If these reports are true, it is completely unacceptable behavior and should be condemned. No one — especially a public servant — deserves to be treated this way.”
Some members of Congress are also calling for clarity. Senator Ed Markey tweeted, “The American people deserve transparency. If a government official was physically assaulted in the White House, we need answers.” Others demanded an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Political analysts noted that tensions between Elon Musk and the Biden administration have been simmering for years.
Musk has publicly criticized the administration for not inviting Tesla to EV-related events, despite the company’s leading role in the industry. The Biden team, on the other hand, has pushed for broader partnerships and union-friendly policies that some say disadvantage Tesla.
Pete Buttigieg, as Treasury Secretary, has been heavily involved in shaping clean energy policy and distributing federal incentives. He has clashed with Musk in the past over infrastructure and EV manufacturing issues. Still, a physical confrontation marks a drastic escalation — if the report is accurate.
This development adds another layer to the already complex relationship between big tech leaders and the federal government.
Musk, who now leads Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), has shown growing involvement in political conversations. His posts and actions have often divided public opinion, especially when they touch on sensitive social or political topics.
Legal experts say if the shove did happen, it could carry serious implications. While no formal complaint has been filed, any physical contact between a private citizen and a government official inside the White House could be subject to legal or administrative scrutiny. At the very least, it raises concerns about safety protocols and how disagreements are managed behind closed doors.
It’s worth noting that Buttigieg has not made any public accusations against Musk. His team appears to be trying to stay focused on his policy agenda, rather than engage in a public feud. Some observers suggest this approach is strategic, allowing the media and public to draw their conclusions without fueling further drama.
Meanwhile, Musk’s defenders argue that the story is exaggerated. Some claim that the media is out to smear him, especially as he continues to challenge traditional political and corporate norms. Others, however, are urging him to take accountability and clarify what happened.
As of now, the full truth remains uncertain. There’s no video of the incident, and neither the White House nor Musk has provided a detailed explanation.
Still, the controversy isn’t dying down. With social media buzzing and national media outlets picking up the story, pressure is mounting for someone to speak out officially.
Until that happens, the public is left with serious questions. Did Elon Musk shove a U.S. Cabinet member in the White House? If so, what does that say about the culture of power, influence, and accountability in Washington?