Elon Musk has faced backlash for a ‘seriously unfunny’ joke he made to President Donald Trump during a recent cabinet meeting.
The billionaire has become a prominent figure in government in recent months after being appointed head of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Though not officially a government department, DOGE is designed to serve as an external advisory body to Trump on federal spending.
Musk’s close relationship with the administration as an unelected official since the January inauguration has stirred controversy.
This has led to public outrage, with some people boycotting Tesla, and even reports of vandalism at Tesla showrooms.
Recently, a clip from a meeting where Trump’s cabinet discussed his first 100 days in office went viral. While the discussion itself was the focus, the video quickly gained attention on social media due to Musk’s striking fashion choice at the White House.
The Tesla CEO was seen wearing a large red hat atop a black one, creating a striking fashion statement.
The red hat read “the Gulf of America,” referencing Trump’s attempt to rename the Gulf of Mexico.
In the video, Trump notices Musk’s unusual hat choice and comments, “Elon, I love the double hat, buddy. He’s the only one who can pull that off.”
However, it’s Musk’s response that has many people cringing on X (formerly Twitter). In reply, the SpaceX CEO said, “Well, Mr. President, they say I wear a lot of hats, and it’s true— even my hat has a hat.”
This prompted a wave of reactions, with one user commenting: “Seriously unfunny but trying so hard.”
Elon Musk has close ties with Donald Trump (ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)
One person commented, “Never in my life have I seen someone look so awkward in a hat. He should be taking it off, not stacking it.”
Another asked, “Why is he so insufferably lame?”
A third wrote, “Elon is so desperate to be funny. It’s painful to watch.”
A fourth added, “Elon is living proof that no amount of money can buy a personality.”
A fifth person chimed in, “F***ing clowns clowning around while the country burns to the ground.”
This isn’t the first time Musk’s attire at the White House has drawn criticism. The billionaire has frequently been photographed wearing Trump-themed baseball caps and slogan t-shirts.
