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Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk is now the sole leader of President Donald Trump’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) after biotech mogul Vivek Ramaswamy stepped down from the commission just hours into Trump’s second term.
DOGE, a cornerstone of Trump’s “Save America” agenda, is tasked with identifying ways to cut federal programs, reduce the workforce, and streamline regulations. Ramaswamy’s departure was confirmed Monday by officials, leaving Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, to helm the ambitious initiative solo.
“Vivek Ramaswamy played a critical role in helping us create DOGE,” commission spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement. “He plans to pursue elected office soon, which requires him to step away. We thank him immensely for his contributions over the last two months.”
Ramaswamy, a Cincinnati native who gained national prominence during his 2024 GOP presidential campaign, is reportedly eyeing a run for governor of Ohio. His exit from DOGE comes amid speculation about his long-term political ambitions.
“Ramaswamy’s passion for streamlining government aligns closely with the president’s vision, and we know he will continue to champion these principles,” Kelly added.
Musk’s leadership has drawn both enthusiasm and skepticism. As the head of major companies with government contracts, including SpaceX, Musk’s role in DOGE has raised ethical concerns. Critics argue that his business interests could conflict with his task of reducing federal spending.
However, Trump has expressed full confidence in Musk’s ability to lead the commission. “Elon is one of the smartest, most innovative people in the world. He understands efficiency like no one else,” Trump said during an interview Monday. “DOGE is about cutting waste and putting America first, and Elon is perfect for the job.”
Musk has yet to release a detailed plan for DOGE’s priorities but has hinted at targeting bloated bureaucracies and outdated regulations. “We need to make government work for the people,” Musk said in a recent statement.
DOGE’s ambitious mandate comes as part of Trump’s broader promise to “drain the swamp” and reshape the federal government’s role. While critics worry about the potential for cuts to critical programs, supporters argue that DOGE could deliver much-needed reform.
With Musk at the helm, DOGE’s work will be closely watched as it seeks to fulfill Trump’s promise of a leaner, more efficient government.
