Musk recently departed the Trump administration after leading the Department of Government Efficiency for four months.

After the shouting ended, Musk’s pick for IRS commissioner found himself replaced with Bessent’s more seasoned choice after just three days on the job. Bessent had won. The power struggle has become a symbol of Musk’s inability to build support for his approach.

Elon Musk said the White House DOGE office was treated unfairly by its critics and became a "whipping boy for everything." Musk was speaking to CBS in an interview that aired on Sunday when he was asked about the backlash he faced over his work at the cost-cutting outfit.