Rein on Musk?

In the early days of Donald Trump's second presidency, few figures have wielded as much influence as billionaire Elon Musk.

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Tasked with leading a government-wide cost-cutting effort, Mr Musk has positioned himself as an enforcer of efficiency, slashing bureaucratic excess with a characteristically aggressive approach. However, a cabinet meeting suggests that even in an administration known for disrupting norms, there are limits to how much authority an unelected outsider can exert over the machinery of government.

The tensions that surfaced in the meeting highlight a core contradiction within Mr Trump's governance style. On one hand, he thrives on bold, unconventional moves placing powerful figures from the private sector into key roles, as seen with Mr Musk's mandate to rein in government spending. On the other hand, he remains keenly aware of political realities, including the need to maintain cohesion among his cabinet secretaries and insulate his administration from legal challenges.