Trump has tapped Musk to run an unofficial government department that will seek to slash public spending. Reports have surfaced about Trump allies being unhappy with Musk’s presence at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago base, attendance at transition meetings, and what appears to be his growing influence on the returning president of the United States.

The world’s richest person, not known for his humility, is still learning the cutthroat courtier politics of Donald Trump’s inner circle — and his ultimate influence remains an open question.