Elon Musk knows exactly how to make headlines, and he’s done it once again during President Donald Trump’s most recent cabinet meeting at the White House.
Currently serving as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, Musk holds the title of “special government employee.” His strong ties with the president have even earned him a playful nickname among insiders: “First Buddy.”
Despite early predictions that Elon Musk and Donald Trump might clash, the two influential figures continue to present a united front. Musk’s presence at the latest cabinet meeting, surrounded by key players from the Trump administration, served as another clear display of their strong partnership.
This isn’t the first time Musk has stirred the pot during a meeting with the Trump administration. Not long ago, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was seen passing Musk a handwritten note dispelling rumors of internal conflict. But this time, it was a simple notepad that stole the spotlight. Cameras caught Musk holding a notepad prominently labeled “Top Secret,” sparking a flurry of online speculation.
One detail that caught everyone’s eye was that, while every other official had a nameplate displaying their title, Musk’s simply read “Elon Musk.” Some critics seized on this, claiming it was yet another sign that Musk was being treated with VIP status — perhaps even above Vice President JD Vance.
True to his style, Musk played into the moment. His “Top Secret” note, with its dramatic underlining and excessive exclamation points, seemed crafted to stoke media curiosity. And sure enough, the internet quickly exploded with theories. Was it a covert plan to revitalize the economy after recent tariff moves? A secret strategy for dealing with China? The speculation was endless.
Musk, no stranger to stirring the pot, has previously joined President Trump in questioning the status of U.S. gold reserves at Fort Knox. He’s even faced criticism from his own AI chatbot, Grok, for spreading misinformation. But if this latest move is any indication, the billionaire entrepreneur is playing the media like a pro — and winning.
Of course, not everyone found it amusing. In the wake of recent high-profile Signal chat leaks, some argued that this was the wrong time for such antics. Yet Musk’s “Top Secret” note — clearly a playful jab at the media’s obsession — shows he knows exactly how to control the narrative.
Reactions on X (formerly Twitter) came in fast and furious. One user remarked, “Elon knows how the media works, so he trolled them by writing ‘Top Secret,’ knowing they’d grab a photo.” Another added, “Classic Elon. A troll genius.”
However, not all the feedback was glowing. One critic remarked, “This is a cabinet meeting, not a circus. Musk needs to treat these responsibilities with the seriousness they demand.”
Whether it was a clever jab at the media or a poorly timed stunt, one thing is certain — Musk once again got the last laugh.