In Silicon Valley, they talk about "moving fast and breaking things." In Washington, these days, they call it Elon Musk doing his job.

The one thing even Musk, the richest human alive, is not allowed to obtain under the US constitution is the presidency, because he was not born in the United States.

But when Donald Trump charged him with downsizing the entire government, Musk scored a good second best.

The South African-born 53-year-old's official title is the non-descript "special government employee." In reality, he is one of the most powerful individuals in the country.

As Trump's top financial supporter during last year's election, Musk emerged over the first 100 days of the new administration with extraordinary access.

The bulky figure, usually wearing a T-shirt and Trump-themed baseball cap, appeared alongside the president at cabinet meetings and Oval Office sessions. On golf weekends. On Marine One. On Air Force One.

And he rode that authority to launch the cost-cutting, so-called Department of Government Efficiency.

Unopposed by Trump's pliant Republican majority in Congress, and barely slowed by lawsuits, the Tesla and SpaceX........

© International Business Times