Elon Musk's unlikely role: Government efficiency czar

"I'm not sure it was his preferred direction, and it did not seem like he was expecting it," a Trump assistant told NBC News.

Musk had to acknowledge the authority of the Chief of Staff. Wiles told NBC that she has "a very productive and friendly relationship" with Musk.

Elon Musk, within the Trump administration, took charge of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Its primary goal is to reduce spending and bureaucracy, for which he was given 18 months.

Even Donald Trump stressed during a meeting with reporters that Musk has certain limitations in his actions.

"He has access only to letting people go that he thinks are no good, if we agree with him. And it’s only if we agree with him," the president emphasised. "Elon can’t do and won’t do anything without our approval, and we will give him the approval where appropriate. Where it’s not appropriate, we won’t," he stressed.

According to media reports, Musk has access to Trump that other administration members and White House employees do not have. The billionaire and the president regularly speak to each other on the phone.

Musk gained access to confidential government databases and the Treasury Department's payment system. The billionaire and his DOGE initiative are overseeing a reduction of federal employees. He also advocated for the closure of USAID, the agency for international development, to which the administration agreed.

The identity of some DOGE employees has been revealed, prompting a response from Ed Martin, acting prosecutor in Washington. He announced that investigators would pursue those who disclose information about Musk's personnel. He did not specify who could be accused, nor which federal laws were violated.