On May 30, 2025, Elon Musk appeared in the Oval Office alongside President Donald Trump, sporting a noticeable black eye. The tech mogul attributed the shiner to a playful punch from his five-year-old son, X Æ A-12, during roughhousing. The incident coincided with Musk’s departure from his role as a special government employee heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
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A Black Eye and a Farewell
During the press conference, Musk, dressed in a “DOGE” hat and “The Dogefather” T-shirt, maintained a lighthearted demeanor despite the visible bruise. He explained that the black eye resulted from an innocent accident while playing with his son. President Trump supported Musk’s account, adding that young X could indeed pack a punch. The event marked the end of Musk’s 130-day tenure at DOGE, during which he claimed to have saved $175 billion by reducing federal bureaucracy, though estimates of the actual savings vary.
Public Reaction and Controversy
The appearance of Musk’s son in the Oval Office drew mixed reactions. While some found the child’s antics endearing, others criticized Musk for bringing his young son to a formal political event. Notably, musician Grimes, X’s mother, expressed her disapproval, stating that their son should not be in public settings like the Oval Office.
Additionally, the event occurred amid controversy surrounding Musk’s alleged use of recreational drugs during his government role. A recent New York Times report claimed that Musk’s drug use, including ketamine and hallucinogenic mushrooms, was detrimental to his health. Musk dismissed the report, comparing it to discredited past media coverage.
The Bigger Picture
The incident of Elon Musk’s black and blue eye, while seemingly trivial, highlights the complex interplay between personal image and political involvement. Musk’s tenure at DOGE was marked by aggressive efforts to streamline government operations, leading to significant workforce reductions. His close association with President Trump and unconventional approach to governance have both garnered praise and criticism.
As Musk returns to focus on his ventures like Tesla and SpaceX, the public remains divided on his influence in political spheres. The black eye incident serves as a metaphor for the bruises—both literal and figurative—that can result from the collision of personal life and public service.
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