Mathias Busekist
It all took an unexpected turn.
A White House news conference took an unexpected turn on Friday when tech mogul Elon Musk appeared beside President Donald Trump sporting a noticeable black eye.
When asked by reporters about the vivid purple-and-yellow bruise around his right eye, Musk offered a lighthearted — and surprising — explanation.
“I said, ‘Go ahead, punch me in the face.’ And he did,” Musk said, referring to his 5-year-old son, X Æ A-Xii, known publicly as “X.” The Tesla and SpaceX CEO explained that he had been “horsing around” with his son, who landed a blow that left him with the shiner.
The moment occurred as Musk joined President Trump to mark the end of Musk’s formal role with the federal government. Trump praised Musk’s contributions and hinted that the billionaire’s departure might be temporary, telling reporters, “He’s really not leaving.”
The incident quickly became a topic of public conversation, with social media lighting up in response to Musk’s claim. While some users found the anecdote amusing, others expressed skepticism. Many questioned the plausibility of the story, with some suggesting the explanation may have been fabricated. The comments section on various platforms reflected a mix of humor, disbelief, and criticism—some even drawing comparisons between Musk and Trump, often unfavorably.
The bruise aside, Musk’s appearance marked the end of a significant chapter in his complex relationship with the federal government, during which he held an influential advisory role on technology and infrastructure policy.
As speculation swirls around what Musk will do next—and whether he will indeed return to government service—his parting press conference reminded everyone that, whether through innovation or eyebrow-raising anecdotes, he remains a magnet for headlines.