Tensions within President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team escalated following a heated argument at Mar-a-Lago. Elon Musk clashed with senior advisor Boris Epshteyn, who influenced Trump’s cabinet selections. Sources cited in the Axios report described the incident as a “massive explosion.” This shows growing friction between Musk and longtime Trump aides who feel he is being overshadowed by Trump’s growing involvement in shaping the administration.

The confrontation reportedly occurred during a dinner at Trump’s Florida mansion, Axios reported. Musk criticized Epshteyn for supporting controversial candidates and specifically suggested Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Musk questioned the nature of Epshteyn’s recommendations and accused him of leaking information about Trump’s personnel decisions to the media. Epshteyn countered, challenging Musk’s understanding of the situation.

The debate was so intense that it disrupted what would otherwise have been a carefully planned transition process. Sources close to Trump’s team described the incident as a “big explosion” that had been building up for weeks.

The dinner spat was not unexpected for Trump’s top staff. Epshteyn played a pivotal role in coordinating Trump’s transition efforts, particularly in managing legal defenses for Trump’s ongoing criminal cases. However, Musk, co-chairman of the unofficial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and a vocal supporter of Trump’s campaign, has increasingly asserted his influence. He reportedly defended Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick as treasury secretary and clashed with Epshteyn’s picks.

Musk’s increasing influence in Trump’s circle has not gone unnoticed. Often referred to as Trump’s ‘First Friend’ or ‘Uncle Elon’ by Trump’s grandson Kai, Musk has integrated himself with Trump’s family and key allies. His role goes beyond his position as co-chairman of DOGE, where he collaborated with Vivek Ramaswamy on the government’s productivity reforms. Musk’s influence also encompasses social and personal dimensions; JD Vance, Tucker Carlson and Trump’s sons Donald Jr. and Trump allies like Eric welcome his presence.

But Musk’s involvement in nearly every phase of Trump’s transition, from cabinet picks to high-level meetings, has alienated longtime members of the Trump team. Reports suggest that Musk’s frequent presence at Mar-a-Lago has caused friction among Trump loyalists, some of whom feel he has overstepped his boundaries.

Insiders suggest Trump’s leadership style may have contributed to the explosion. Trump, known for encouraging rivalry among his advisors, is apparently encouraging the rivalry between Musk and Epshteyn; Both have a significant impact on their environment. This tension underscores the difficulties of balancing Musk’s outside perspective with the experiences of Trump’s established aides.