Elon Musk’s audacious takeover of the federal bureaucracy has found unexpected allies in Stephen and Katie Miller, a Trumpworld power couple steering the billionaire’s disruptive agenda from within the White House. As Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) tears through agencies with a mission to slash $2 trillion in federal spending, the Millers have emerged as pivotal liaisons, blending their political savvy with Musk’s relentless ambition to reshape the U.S. government.

The Millers: Trump’s Trusted Insiders

Stephen Miller, often dubbed Trump’s “prime minister” by insiders, brings a deep knowledge of federal machinery honed during Trump’s first term as a senior adviser. His wife, Katie Miller, a seasoned communications strategist and former press secretary to Vice President Mike Pence, now serves as DOGE’s comms guru. Together, they act as Musk’s bridge to the administration, relaying his plans—such as dismantling USAID and seizing the Treasury’s payment systems—to Trump’s inner circle.

“They’re the steady hands keeping Musk on track,” a Trumpworld source told WIRED anonymously, wary of retaliation. The Millers’ involvement reassures aides rattled by Musk’s unchecked power, with Stephen’s fiery rhetoric (equating federal workers to “radical left Communists”) aligning seamlessly with DOGE’s cost-cutting crusade.

A Symbiotic Power Grab

Musk’s takeover, launched weeks after Trump’s January 20, 2025, inauguration, mirrors his 2022 Twitter acquisition: fast, chaotic, and divisive. With the Millers’ help, his team of young engineers—some tied to Tesla and SpaceX—has infiltrated agencies like the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the General Services Administration (GSA), gaining access to sensitive systems. This has sparked outrage, with Democrats like Senator Chuck Schumer calling it “a hostile takeover by an unelected billionaire.”

The Millers amplify Musk’s vision while shielding Trump from direct backlash. “Trumpworld prefers Musk as the lightning rod,” a Republican operative noted. “Stephen and Katie make it palatable—packaging it as MAGA loyalty.” Their ties to Trump loyalists and Capitol Hill contacts have smoothed DOGE’s path, even as legal challenges mount over its extraconstitutional reach.

Why It Works—and Why It’s Risky

The trio’s synergy is undeniable. Musk’s resources and boldness, paired with Stephen’s bureaucratic expertise and Katie’s media finesse, have turned DOGE into a wrecking ball. Yet cracks are emerging. Trump aides grumble about Musk’s dominance, with some eyeing the Millers as “glorified babysitters” struggling to rein him in. Posts on X reflect a split sentiment—supporters hail Musk’s “genius,” while critics warn of a “shadow government.”

The risks loom large. Musk’s inexperience in governance, combined with the Millers’ polarizing style, could destabilize federal operations. “This isn’t Twitter—breaking things has real consequences,” said Michael Linden, a former Biden budget official. A botched rollout or data breach could derail the experiment, testing Trump’s patience with his billionaire ally.

What’s Next for Musk and the Millers?

As DOGE targets more agencies—rumors swirl around the Small Business Administration—its reliance on the Millers deepens. Their ability to navigate Trumpworld’s egos and Musk’s unpredictability will determine its fate. For now, this power couple stands at the nexus of a historic upheaval, aiding Musk in a takeover that’s as audacious as it is controversial.