Bernie Sanders says it's clear Elon Musk is now "running the United States government"

Senator Bernie Sanders spoke to the press briefly while walking through the halls of the Capitol on Thursday. Sanders remarked that "it is clear to most Americans that the person who is running the United States government now is Mr. Musk."

Musk, who the White House says is a special government employee, has been tasked by Trump to lead an effort to slash the size of the U.S. federal workforce. As part of that initiative, Musk aides have sought access to confidential information in computer systems at various government agencies.

Critics say the efforts are likely illegal, risk exposing classified information and in practice are gutting entire agencies without congressional approval.

Sanders also commented on Trump's efforts to dismantle the United States Department of Education, calling it a "disaster" for working class families.