Elon Musk, an unelected adviser to President Trump, is taking control of significant parts of the U.S. federal bureaucracy without formal authority.
Musk's influence has led to the departure of the highest-ranking Treasury Department official, who resisted giving Musk's team control over the federal payment system.
This payment system handles $6 trillion annually, including Social Security, tax refunds, and Medicare benefits.
Musk's team has also taken over the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the General Services Administration (GSA).
The actions are described as "state capture" by Democratic strategist Waleed Shahid, likening it to a coup.
There's concern that Musk's control could facilitate tax cuts favoring the rich, including himself.
Lindsay Owens from the Groundwork Collaborative warns that these moves might fund tax cuts by reducing Social Security payments.
The lack of clear authority for Musk's actions raises questions about legality and oversight.
Critics argue this represents an unprecedented power grab within the federal government.
The situation has sparked debate about the influence of billionaires in government operations.
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