Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has been Donald Trump’s battering ram during the president’s first 100 days, slashing the federal government and trying to bend its remnants to Trump’s will.

Key Takeaways Elon Musk on Tuesday said he would spend less time as President Donald Trump's cost-cutting adviser.During the first three months of Trump's administration, the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency claims to have saved $160 billion.

After several months of cutting government contracts, grants, leases and workers, Elon Musk seems to be realizing what budget nerds have long known: His oft-repeated goal of cutting $1 trillion from the federal budget through executive action alone is extremely difficult.