Melania Trump reportedly objected to Elon Musk staying overnight at the White House during his time working closely with President Donald Trump, according to a new book detailing life inside the administration.
The claim appears in 'Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump,' written by New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan.
© The Washington PostThe book offers a behind-the-scenes look at Trump's presidency and reveals new details about Musk's relationship with the president and his inner circle.
According to the authors, Musk, who was serving as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the time, requested permission to stay at the White House. While President Trump reportedly agreed to the arrangement, the first lady was said to have objected.
© Anna MoneymakerDespite Melania Trump's concerns, the president ultimately approved the request, allowing Musk to spend several nights in the historic Lincoln Bedroom, one of the most famous guest rooms in the White House.
The book claims that when he was not staying at the presidential residence, Musk often stayed with friends. The billionaire entrepreneur also reportedly told associates that he sometimes slept in a sleeping bag on the floor of his office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
© Anna MoneymakerMusk has previously spoken publicly about his overnight visits to the White House, saying that Trump personally invited him to stay after the pair traveled together aboard Air Force One.
"He’s actually a very good host," Musk said previously, recalling how Trump showed him the Lincoln Bedroom and would occasionally call him late at night to offer ice cream from the White House kitchen.
© The Washington PostThe book also describes tensions between Musk and several members of Trump's inner circle during his time in government. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles reportedly viewed Musk as an unconventional presence, whileTreasury Secretary Scott Bessent is said to have clashed with him over operational disagreements involving the IRS.
Musk's White House stays reportedly ended after his departure from DOGE and a highly publicized falling out with Trump in 2025. The once-close allies exchanged public criticism following Musk's opposition to the president's legislative agenda.
© Getty ImagesHowever, their relationship appears to have improved since then. Earlier this year, Musk shared a photograph of himself dining with President Trump and Melania Trump at Mar-a-Lago, signaling that tensions between the two men may have eased.
The revelation offers a rare glimpse into the dynamics inside the White House residence and highlights the influence Musk wielded during his time as one of Trump's closest advisers.
