Tensions within the Trump administration reached a boiling point Thursday, following a highly publicized clash between President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk. While the explosive confrontation caught many Americans by surprise, a detailed report published Friday has shed light on the origins of the deep-rooted friction.

The New York Post delved into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the White House, revealing a long-running feud between Musk and a senior Trump aide, Sergio Gor, the director of presidential personnel. Multiple anonymous sources close to the administration described Gor as a central figure fanning the flames of the dispute, which reportedly stretches back even before Trump’s second inauguration in January.

According to insiders, Musk and Gor’s conflict began during the presidential transition period. Musk, who had been a vocal supporter of Trump and served in an unpaid advisory role, grew frustrated with Gor’s staffing decisions. Musk allegedly labeled Gor “sleazy” and questioned his judgment in key personnel hires. The tension reached a peak during a cabinet meeting in early March, when Musk openly criticized Gor in front of the president and other officials.

One source told the Post, “Elon kept telling the president that Sergio wasn’t moving fast enough to hire the right people, and that he wasn’t fit for the job. To hear it in front of the entire cabinet was humiliating, and it made the president start doubting Sergio’s capability.”

The feud took a consequential turn when Gor reportedly influenced Trump’s decision to withdraw the nomination of Jared Isaacman, a longtime friend of Musk, to lead NASA. Isaacman’s candidacy became controversial due to his previous political donations, including significant contributions to Democratic causes and figures, such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. This political background ran afoul of the administration’s vetting standards, which Gor enforced strictly.

What began as a policy disagreement quickly evolved into a bitter, personal battle. The Post described the withdrawal of Isaacman’s nomination as a “modern-day equivalent of the assassination of Franz Ferdinand” within White House circles—while Gor achieved a personal victory, the fallout cast a shadow over Trump’s broader legislative agenda.

Despite the escalating tensions, Musk maintained a close working relationship with Trump throughout much of the year, frequently meeting with the president and advising on various issues. However, sources suggest Gor harbored a grudge against Musk after being publicly rebuked during the cabinet meeting.

One insider revealed, “Sergio was upset after Elon dressed him down in front of everyone. He made it clear he was going to get back at Elon, and pulling Isaacman’s nomination was his way of doing it.” Another source added, “Sergio bragged about getting a scalp, but it’s unclear if that was really a win for the president.”

Beyond personnel matters, Gor’s animosity toward Musk extended into the financial realm. Sources told the Post that Gor would openly celebrate whenever Tesla’s stock price declined. It was said he often used moments in the Oval Office and other meetings to showcase Tesla’s falling stock on his phone, seemingly to revel in Musk’s troubles.

“He’d bring up Tesla stock drops randomly in conversations and laugh about it, like he took personal credit for it,” said one insider. “It was clear he wanted to see Elon fail.”

Gor has denied these claims, telling the Post that accusations of him seeking revenge or celebrating Tesla’s stock losses are completely unfounded. In a statement, he emphasized his alignment with the administration’s core principles, saying, “I fully support President Trump’s decision to remove this nominee. Those who actively supported Democrats in the last election cycle have no place in this administration.”

He further clarified, “This was never about Elon Musk personally; it’s about standing firm on America First values.”

Musk’s public endorsement of Trump’s potential impeachment and his outspoken criticisms of the administration in recent weeks likely intensified the conflict, adding political stakes to the personal rivalry. Musk, once seen as a key ally and major financial backer for Trump’s 2024 campaign, has become a controversial figure within Republican circles.

The clash has raised questions about how internal disputes might impact the president’s policy priorities and political coalition moving forward. Some analysts speculate that the public fallout could hinder Trump’s ability to maintain a unified front ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

As the drama unfolds, the administration faces increased scrutiny over how personnel decisions are made and whether personal vendettas are influencing government appointments. Meanwhile, Musk continues to maintain a high profile in political and business arenas, while Gor remains a powerful figure within the White House personnel apparatus.

What began as a simmering feud behind closed doors has erupted into a very public battle, leaving observers to wonder what consequences this internecine strife may have for the Trump administration’s future.