But Trump has shown no inclination to adhere to the separation of powers that gives a lead role to Congress. Instead, in his first two weeks back in the White House, he made clear he is determined to run the government based on executive decrees, not by proposing and passing conservative laws in Congress.

Now that Elon Musk has been classified as a "special government employee," he will get greater access to U.S. government agencies.

Musk has moved with lightning speed to try to remake the federal government. Many Democrats and even some Republicans say his efforts are unlawful.