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Elon Musk made a noteworthy appearance in the Oval Office on Friday, marking his departure from his official role in the Trump administration. Alongside the impact he left on the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, another aspect of his visit captured widespread attention.
What appeared to be a distinct black eye beneath his right eye raised eyebrows and sparked conversations across social media platforms. Viewers of the livestream quickly noted the bruise, igniting speculation about its origin from everything ranging to a gym accident to a political confrontation.
During the event, members of the press swiftly inquired about the reason behind Musk’s black eye. Understandably, they asked, “What happened to your eye?” This question set the stage for a lighthearted exchange.
In response, Musk cleverly remarked, “Well, I wasn’t anywhere near France,” referencing recent headlines involving French President Emmanuel Macron and an incident involving his wife. Musk added humorously, “I didn’t know the first lady of France isn’t a lieutenant.”
Eventually, Musk revealed the actual story behind his injury. He explained, “No, I just was horsing around with little X,” a reference to his five-year-old son, X Æ A-Xii. With a sense of humor, he recounted, “And I said, ‘Go ahead, punch me in the face.’ And he did. Turns out even a 5-year-old punching you in the face… actually leaves a mark.”
Upon hearing this, President Donald Trump interjected, smiling, “That was X that did that?” To which Musk confirmed, “Yeah.” Trump then remarked, “X could do it, if you knew X,” further adding to the light-hearted atmosphere of the exchange.
The playful interaction quickly became the highlight of Musk’s farewell event, providing a moment of levity amidst the significant transition. Musk, while embracing the light-heartedness of the situation, remained focused on his ultimate message.
Despite the playful commentary amid his black eye, Musk stated firmly, “This is not the end of DOGE. Only the beginning.” His assertion hinted at his ongoing commitment to the department’s objectives, even as he steps away from the official role he has occupied for the past 130 days.
In an update shared prior to his departure, DOGE’s official site noted that the department achieved over $175 billion in savings during Musk’s tenure. This success came primarily from asset sales, the cancellation of contracts, and focused efforts to combat fraud. Notably, this financial efficiency translates to an estimated $1,087 saved per taxpayer.
As of the time of writing, the White House has not provided immediate comments regarding Musk’s statements or his reported impacts at DOGE, leaving room for speculation about future developments.
Musk’s farewell reflects not only a closure to his role at DOGE but also showcases a personal moment that resonates with many. Such exchanges in high-profile settings remind audiences that even influential figures experience relatable moments of humor and vulnerability.
The playful interaction with President Trump, paired with Musk’s reflections on the accomplishments during his long stint, underscores the dualities of his persona. As he transitions away from this role, his ongoing influence in tech and government continues to shape public discourse.