Vivek Ramaswamy, the biotech entrepreneur appointed by President-elect Donald Trump to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Elon Musk, is anticipated to step down from his role in the task force.
In November, President Trump announced that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy would head the Department of Government Efficiency.
“I am pleased to announced that the Great Elon Musk, working in conjunction with American Patriot Vivek Ramaswamy, will lead the Department of Government Efficiency (“DOGE”). Together, these two wonderful Americans will pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies – Essential to the “Save America” Movement,” Trump said in a statement.
Trump added, “I look forward to Elon and Vivek making changes to the Federal Bureaucracy with an eye on efficiency and, at the same time, making life better for all Americans. Importantly, we will drive out the massive waste and fraud which exists throughout our annual $6.5 Trillion Dollars of Government Spending. They will work together to liberate our Economy, and make the US Government accountable to “WE THE PEOPLE.” Their work will conclude no later than July 4, 2026 – A smaller Government, with more efficiency and less bureaucracy, will be the perfect gift to America on the 250th Anniversary of The Declaration of Independence. I am confident they will succeed!”
According to Politico, his departure comes amid discussions about Ramaswamy potentially filling the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance.
However, multiple sources have confirmed to CBS News that friction within DOGE may have expedited Ramaswamy’s departure.
Sources familiar with the internal workings of the task force claim that Musk’s inner circle has grown increasingly frustrated with Ramaswamy’s alleged lack of hands-on involvement.
“Vivek has worn out his welcome,” a source close to Trump revealed.
CBS reported:
People close to Musk have privately undercut Ramaswamy for weeks, frustrated with his lack of participation in the heavy lifting, according to sources familiar with the internal dynamics. There has been friction between the incoming rank and file DOGE staff and Ramaswamy, the sources said, and Ramaswamy has been subtly encouraged to exit.
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Ramaswamy recently met with the Ohio’s sitting governor, Mike DeWine, about the state’s Senate seat left vacant by Vice President-elect JD Vance. But on Friday, DeWine announced he is appointing his lieutenant governor to the post.
Ramaswamy, who sought the GOP nomination in 2024, was at Mar-a-Lago, the president’s West Palm Beach, Florida, estate during the transition. Sources said he was spotted at the bar with Musk one day, scratching out plans for DOGE on a napkin. But the pair haven’t worked closely for a while, sources said.
Politico first reported that Ramaswamy could depart DOGE.
Ramaswamy has made culture issues central to his political brand, railing against what he views as “woke” policies being imposed on corporate, academic and government institutions. Even as Trump’s primary opponent, Ramaswamy was reluctant to cross him and quick to offer praise.
Despite its name, the Department of Government Efficiency is not expected to be a full-fledged federal agency. Trump has said it “will provide advice and guidance from outside of Government” and partner with the White House and Office of Management and Budget.
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