The Trump administration has increasingly downplayed billionaire Elon Musk’s level of authority in recent days, repeatedly claiming in legal filings he can’t unilaterally make decisions and doesn’t formally run the Department of Government Efficiency he was tapped to lead—even as reports and the billionaire’s own comments indicate Musk has been behind broad cuts throughout the federal government.

Although some parts of President Donald Trump’s agenda are getting bogged down by litigation, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency is having better luck in the courtroom.

DOGE has been in the news for its role in cutting federal workers. Here's everything you need to know about it and how Elon Musk is involved.