The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a cornerstone of President Donald Trump’s “Save America” agenda, is now under the sole leadership of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. Vivek Ramaswamy, the commission’s co-leader and biotech entrepreneur, stepped down on Monday, just hours after Trump’s inauguration.
Ramaswamy’s departure was confirmed by DOGE officials, who cited his intention to pursue elected office. The 39-year-old Cincinnati native has plans to run for governor of Ohio in 2026, following a period of political speculation that included interest in the recently vacated Senate seat held by Vice President J.D. Vance.
“Vivek Ramaswamy played a critical role in helping us create DOGE,” said Anna Kelly, a spokesperson for the commission. “He intends to run for elected office soon, which requires him to remain outside of DOGE based on the structure we announced today. We thank him immensely for his contributions and expect him to continue supporting the MAGA agenda in other ways.”
Trump created DOGE as a nongovernmental task force aimed at overhauling the federal government by cutting programs, reducing federal regulations, and finding ways to streamline or eliminate federal jobs. Musk’s involvement has raised ethical concerns, given his leadership of SpaceX, Tesla, and other ventures that stand to benefit from federal contracts and policies.
Ambitious efforts like DOGE have historically faced public resistance when cuts to essential programs — such as health care, military security, and other vital services — become evident. Critics have also pointed out potential conflicts of interest, especially as Musk continues to expand his business empire.
Ramaswamy, one of the world’s wealthiest millennials, gained prominence as a biotech entrepreneur and later as a political figure aligned with Trump’s populist “Make America Great Again” movement. Known for his vocal criticism of identity politics and diversity initiatives, Ramaswamy finished fourth in Iowa’s 2024 GOP caucuses before endorsing Trump in the primaries.
His exit from DOGE clears the path for him to focus on Ohio’s political landscape, where he has positioned himself as a contender in the post-Vance era.
With Musk now at the helm, DOGE faces the challenge of implementing Trump’s bold vision for government reform. The task force is expected to recommend significant changes to federal operations, which could lead to widespread debate over the implications for millions of Americans who rely on government programs and services.
Despite Ramaswamy’s departure, Kelly expressed optimism about the task force’s direction. “DOGE remains committed to delivering results that align with President Trump’s mission to restore efficiency and accountability to the federal government,” she said.
As Trump begins his second term, all eyes will be on DOGE and its ability to navigate the complexities of balancing bold reform with public trust.