Musk creates new power base in Washington with takeover of US agencies

Musk's actions have fostered a wave of panic among government workers and public protests and at times have threatened to overshadow Trump's own agenda

Elon Musk, has in two weeks created a new centre of power in Washington as he executes Trump's cost-cutting initiative to reduce the size of the US government. Picture: Susan Walsh

Elon Musk's rapid takeover of two US government agencies has enabled the South African-born billionaire to exert unprecedented control over America's 2.2m-member federal workforce and begin a dramatic reshaping of government.

The world's richest man and an ally of Donald Trump, Musk, 53, has in two weeks created a new centre of power in Washington as he executes Trump's cost-cutting initiative to reduce the size of the US government.