Billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk may have secured a seat at the Trump administration’s table, but he’s reportedly finding it hard to win friends within the White House. A recent Rolling Stone report reveals growing frustration among senior Cabinet members over Musk’s behavior, suggesting that his presence may be more disruptive than productive.
At least three Trump administration officials spoke candidly about the Tesla and SpaceX CEO, offering a less-than-flattering view of his conduct behind closed doors.
“I have been in the same room with Elon, and he always tries to be funny. And he’s not funny. Like, at all,” said one senior official. “He makes these jokes and little asides and smiles and then looks almost hurt if you don’t lap up his humor.”
But it’s not just Musk’s failed attempts at humor causing discomfort.
“I keep using the word ‘annoying’; a lot of people who have to deal with him do,” the official added. “But the word doesn’t do the situation justice. Elon just thinks he’s smarter than everyone else in the room and acts like it, even when it’s clear he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
The tension appears to run deep. According to the report, Trump loyalists have even walked out of high-level meetings due to Musk’s conduct. Some are reportedly speculating whether his erratic behavior could be influenced by substance use.
“Talking to the guy is sometimes like listening to really rusty nails on a chalkboard,” said the senior official. “He’s just the most irritating person I’ve ever had to deal with, and that is saying something.”
The discomfort has reportedly led to a new nickname among State Department staffers: “Crazy Uncle Elon.” Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is said to be struggling to conceal his frustration with Musk — now widely associated with meme coins and unpredictable online antics.
As Musk continues to play a role in shaping policy discussions, the big question remains: how long can the Trump administration tolerate his brand of brilliance before the friction boils over?
