Elon Musk is now the sole head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) after biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy stepped down to oversee the gubernatorial campaign in Ohio.
Ramaswamy co-founded DOGE with Field in November 2024 as part of President Donald Trump's “Save America” initiative to cut government waste, reduce regulations and restructure federal agencies.
His departure will lead Musk, a vocal advocate of cost-cutting, into a non-governmental initiative.
“Vivek Ramaswamy was instrumental in helping us create DOGE,” spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement. Associated Press. “He intends to run for the soon-to-be elected position, which requires him to remain outside the DOGE according to the structure we announced today.”
The DOGE acronym has attracted wide attention due to its association with Dogecoin (DOGE), the meme crypto that Musk has championed for years.
Known as the “Dogefather”, Musk's public support of Dogecoin has resulted in frequent price increases. Promotion To lead the DOGE at the end of last year.
Critics, however, have expressed doubts about DOGE's intentions. Musk, who initially promised $2 trillion in government cuts, recently backtracked, saying the goal was unlikely but that he would maintain the target. 1 trillion dollars.
Adding to the momentum, Trump released one. Executive order On Monday, stop the hiring of federal civil servants across the executive branch.
The order, part of a broader plan to streamline government operations, tasked the Office of Management and Budget with developing a plan to reduce the federal workforce through efficiency measures and inefficiencies. DOGE is expected to play a key role in formulating these recommendations.
Unlike official federal departments, DOGE operates outside government channels, relying on private sector experts and Republican allies in Congress to push its ideas.
Musk and Ramaswamy's partnership has attracted the attention of Silicon Valley connections, including advisors such as Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale and venture capitalist Marc Andrees.
The initiative's association with Musk's Dogecoin fandom has created a stir among crypto circles.
A Trump campaign shirt featuring Musk, Trump and a Shiba Inu dog on the campaign trail added to the playful and controversial overlap between DOGE and crypto meme culture.
Daily Debrief Newspaper
Start every day with top news stories, plus original features, podcasts, videos and more.
