Elon Musk, now a special government employee, has been reminded by the White House that his authority is not absolute. Aides have emphasized his need to report to Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. A Trump aide said Musk was not expecting to report to Chief of Staff Susie Wiles but has been repeatedly reminded that he must do so. Trump said he supports DOGE’s efforts but emphasized that Musk can only take action with White House approval. Musk and his inexperienced team have spread across the federal government, aiming to downsize and modernize it. Musk has access to sensitive databases and the Treasury’s payment system, though he cannot alter payments.
