Elon Musk spotted with neck scar at Trump cabinet meeting; social media reacts

Elon Musk , head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), sparked a wave of social media reactions after being spotted with a visible neck scar during US President Donald Trump’s recent cabinet meeting.

Seated beside the President, Musk stood out not only for his unusual fashion choice—wearing both a DOGE cap and a "Gulf of America" hat stacked atop one another—but also for the prominent mark on his neck, which quickly drew attention on social media.

🚨 LMAO! President Trump & Elon Musk are bantering back and forth at the cabinet meeting

TRUMP: "Elon, I love your double hat, by the way. He's the only one who can get away with that"

ELON: "Well, Mr. President, as they say, I wear a lot of hats. Even my hat wears a hat" 🤣 pic.twitter.com/5hGGfvTHiT

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) April 30, 2025

During the meeting, Trump playfully acknowledged Musk’s headgear, quipping, “I love the double hat, by the way. He’s the only one who can get away with it.” Musk replied with his signature wit: “I told you I wear a lot of hats. Even my hat has a hat.”

While all Cabinet members had the rebranded "Gulf of America" hats in front of them, it was Musk’s appearance—and specifically, the scar—that sparked online speculation.

So, what's up with Elon's neck at today's cabinet meeting at the White House?

He has a big scar on his neck. 😟 pic.twitter.com/w9RtI3rb6t

— Moni 💕 (@MoniFunGirl) April 30, 2025

Musk’s appearance quickly became a talking point on social media, with netizens zeroing in on the noticeable scar on his neck. Users on X shared screenshots from the meeting, posting questions and speculations.

“So, what’s up with Elon’s neck at today’s Cabinet meeting at the White House?” one user asked.

Hi @Grok, what happend to elon musk neck? is that a scar? pic.twitter.com/4shSo3kWoq

— JAIME HERVEY 🦇🔊 (@JAIMEHERVEY5) April 30, 2025

Another wrote, “Hi @Grok, what happened to Elon Musk’s neck? Is that a scar?”

What is the scar on Musk's neck ?

The scar is believed to be the result of a 2020 surgery Musk underwent to remove a bone spur from his C5-C6 vertebrae—a condition that developed after he injured his spine during a sumo wrestling match at his 42nd birthday party. Attempting a judo throw, Musk reportedly damaged a disc, which later required surgical intervention.

Oh man, this is a long story. I’ve had 5 neck/back operations.

The third one, a C5-C6 fusion, actually worked in improving the pain from excruciating to livable.

However, the nerve exiting the right facet is inflamed and the orifice through which it exits needed to be…

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 12, 2025

Earlier, Musk revealed he had undergone another neck procedure in January 2025, sharing with followers, “Recovering from neck surgery . Hurts a lot, but it was necessary.”

Sharing a post on X, Musk opened up about his chronic spinal issues, saying, “I’ve had five neck/back operations. The third one, a C5-C6 fusion, actually worked in improving the pain from excruciating to livable… Basically, my spine got reamed.”