New Delhi, Feb. 9 -- Billionaire Elon Musk has been designated as a special government employee (SGE) under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a cost-cutting initiative launched by President Donald Trump to reduce federal spending. The White House confirmed Musk's status on Monday, sparking criticism and legal challenges.

According to the Department of Justice, an Special Government Employee (SGE) is someone who works for the government for 130 days or less within a year.

SGEs can be paid or unpaid and are generally subject to federal ethics laws. However, they cannot work on matters that could impact their personal financial interests or those of their spouse, children, or affiliated businesses-unless granted a waiver for ...