The Musk-Bessent tension boils over
This week Axios reported on an alleged “shouting match” between Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent over who should lead the IRS. Yes, The New York Times had already flagged the power struggle — but Marc Caputo’s sources told him the argument escalated to a “chest-to-chest” clash that was loud enough to be heard by the Italian prime minister, who was visiting the White House. (MSNBC has not confirmed Caputo’s reporting.)
Now let’s be clear: Shouting matches do happen in the White House. But not usually so close to the Oval Office. And certainly not within earshot of a foreign dignitary.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt deferred when asked about the alleged incident. Leavitt referred Axios to a previous statement, noting that “Disagreements are a normal part of any healthy policy process.”
But what’s more shocking about this alleged blow-up isn’t what happened, but what they appear to have been fighting over. The IRS is an agency which has historically been apolitical, focused on doing the business of tax returns. But the Trump administration has already gone through multiple acting IRS commissioners in its bid to control the agency. The invasive nature of Musk and the DOGE posse’s pursuit of personal data also seems to have played a role here.
Musk may be on his way out the door, but my concern is less who he is shouting at and more what he is shouting about.
A race to watch: An Illinois U.S. Senate seat
There’s big change coming to the U.S. Senate: Sen. Dick Durbin, the longtime Illinois Democrat and current minority whip, announced he won’t run for reelection in 2026. After over 40 years in Congress — championing immigration reform, fighting Big Tobacco, and shaping the federal judiciary — Durbin says it’s time to “face reality” and make way for someone new.
Durbin’s retirement means Illinois will have a rare open Senate race — and likely a fierce Democratic primary. Already in the mix: Reps. Lauren Underwood, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Robin Kelly, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, and state Sen. Robert Peters.
But this is more than just a personnel change. As chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Durbin has been one of the loudest Senate voices pushing back against President Donald Trump’s attacks on the judiciary. His departure leaves a major opening for a new committee leader — with current potential successors including Sens. Cory Booker, Amy Klobuchar, and Sheldon Whitehouse.
And beyond Capitol Hill, this race could offer an early look at where Democratic voters are headed. Just as the Tea Party wave transformed Republican primaries in 2010 and 2012, the Illinois primary may reveal what kind of message — and what kind of messenger — resonates with the party’s base heading into next year’s midterms. You may have heard the news, but I’m thrilled to share that starting May 6, I’ll be stepping into MSNBC’s 9 p.m. hour Tuesday through Friday with a brand-new show: “The Briefing with Jen Psaki.” Thanks so much to everyone who’s come along for the ride with “Inside with Jen Psaki.” I can’t wait for you to join us for “The Briefing” next month. Sadly this will also be the last edition of this newsletter. But stay tuned for details of what we’re planning next.
Jen Psaki is the host of "The Briefing with Jen Psaki" airing Tuesdays through Fridays at 9 p.m. EST. She is the former White House press secretary for President Joe Biden. Recommended
Newsletter 100: Announcing “The Briefing with Jen Psaki”
