At a recent White House cabinet meeting, it wasn’t Elon Musk’s remarks on AI or space exploration that stole the spotlight—it was his unconventional fashion choice. Musk turned heads by donning a bright red cap reading “Gulf of America,” a nod to former President Donald Trump’s earlier suggestion to rename the Gulf of Mexico.
The cap, clearly styled after Trump’s signature “Make America Great Again” look, also bore the numbers “45 – 47,” recognizing Trump’s return to office as both the 45th and 47th U.S. president.
But it wasn’t just the slogan that caught attention. Musk, introduced as the Chief of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), appeared wearing the red cap stacked atop a black one. The layered headwear drew widespread amusement online after video clips from the meeting began circulating.
Just before taking the floor, Musk removed both hats—a move that prompted a lighthearted exchange. “By the way, Elon, I love the double hat,” Trump quipped. “Only he can pull that off.” Musk grinned and replied, “Mr. President, I wear a lot of hats. Even my hat has a hat!”
The moment quickly exploded across social media. Users on TikTok and Facebook dubbed it “Double Hat Day,” sharing memes and reactions to Musk’s quirky display during what was meant to be a formal government session.
However, it wasn’t just the double hats making waves. Sharp-eyed viewers also noticed what looked like a scar or noticeable mark on Musk’s neck, fueling speculation. “Did Elon have surgery?” one user wondered. Another asked, “What’s going on with his neck?”
Critics also took issue with his informal outfit, questioning the appropriateness of his appearance at such a high-level meeting. But despite some backlash, the dual-hat stunt and the mystery mark dominated conversations online. Opinions ranged from amused disbelief to harsh critique, with one person commenting, “This is so cringe,” and another adding, “Can’t believe this is real life.”
Musk is no stranger to attention during White House visits. In February, he shared a viral photo on X showing him in a massive red MAGA hat, arms outstretched in the Oval Office, paired with his usual black ensemble—a look that quickly became meme material.
By March, his laid-back style had even made its way into the press room. Reporters, referencing prior criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s casual attire, asked why Musk wasn’t held to the same standard. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded with a laugh, “He did last night,” adding, “The president seemed to like it just fine.”
With each appearance, Musk continues to blur the lines between tech mogul, cultural icon, and political player. Whether drawing attention for policy, memes, or mysterious scars, he keeps the public—and the internet—endlessly engaged.