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 lead the Department of Government Efficiency.
“I am pleased to announce 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.
He continued, “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, Ramaswamy’s departure comes amid discussions about his potential bid for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance.
However, multiple sources confirmed to CBS News that friction within DOGE may have accelerated his exit.
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 direct involvement.
“Vivek has worn out his welcome,” a source close to Trump said.
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.”
Ramaswamy recently met with Ohio’s sitting governor, Mike DeWine, to discuss the Senate seat vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance. On Friday, however, DeWine announced his lieutenant governor would take the post instead.
Ramaswamy, who previously sought the GOP nomination in 2024, was recently seen at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s West Palm Beach estate, during the transition period. Sources noted he was spotted drafting plans for DOGE with Musk on a napkin at the bar. However, the two haven’t collaborated closely in some time, insiders said.
Despite its name, the Department of Government Efficiency is not expected to function as a traditional federal agency. Trump clarified that it “will provide advice and guidance from outside of Government” and work in partnership with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget.
Ramaswamy has built his political brand around culture issues, often opposing what he views as “woke” policies in corporate, academic, and government institutions. Even during his presidential bid, he hesitated to criticize Trump and often praised him.
