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