Elon Musk once again drew media attention during a recent Trump cabinet meeting at the White House, where he now serves as head of the Department of Government Efficiency and holds the title of “special government employee.” Musk, nicknamed “First Buddy” by insiders due to his close relationship with President Trump, appeared at the meeting alongside top administration officials. His presence signaled continued unity between the two despite prior speculation of potential conflict. Cameras captured Musk holding a notepad marked “Top Secret,” sparking a flurry of online theories about its contents. The detail that his nameplate read only “Elon Musk,” unlike others who had formal titles, fueled further speculation about his elevated status in the administration — even above Vice President JD Vance.

The stunt was widely interpreted as a calculated move to stir media buzz, and Musk’s dramatic underlining of “Top Secret” added to the theatrical flair. Reactions online ranged from amusement to criticism. Some praised the billionaire as a media-savvy troll, while others argued that such behavior was inappropriate for a cabinet-level meeting, especially following recent national security concerns. Musk has previously been embroiled in controversies, from questioning U.S. gold reserves to facing criticism from his own AI chatbot, Grok. Still, this latest incident shows Musk’s continued mastery of public narrative control. Whether seen as a joke or a distraction, the gesture underscored Musk’s influence — and ability to dominate headlines — in an era where politics and showmanship increasingly intertwine.