Elon Musk has no official decision-making role, White House clarifies

Elon Musk, who is believed to be the de facto head of DOGE, the initiative created by US President Donald Trump, has been involved in advocating for drastic budget cuts to the government, including mass layoffs.

On Monday, a filing by Joshua Fisher, Director of the Office of Administration, clarified that "Mr Musk is an employee of the White House... a non-career Special Government Employee" and retains the title of "Senior Advisor to the President."

"Like any other senior advisor to the President, Mr. Musk has no actual or formal authority to make government decisions himself," Fisher said. "Mr Musk, therefore, can only advise the President and convey the President's directions."