It’s only been a couple days. But one man can’t take the heat.
And now a shocking resignation from the Trump administration is turning heads.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has undergone a major shake-up as its first order of business — downsizing its leadership to just one figurehead.
Vivek Ramaswamy, the biotech entrepreneur and former GOP presidential candidate, is no longer part of the Trump-endorsed commission, officials confirmed mere hours after President Donald Trump was sworn in on Monday.
This leaves billionaire Elon Musk at the helm of the ambitious cost-cutting initiative.
Ramaswamy, who has hinted at future political ambitions, is reportedly setting his sights on the Ohio governor’s race next year.
A Cincinnati native, the 39-year-old previously considered running for the Senate seat vacated by Vice President JD Vance. However, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine appointed Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to fill that role.
“Vivek Ramaswamy played a critical role in helping us create DOGE,” said Anna Kelly, a spokesperson for the commission, in a statement.
“He intends to run for elected office soon, which requires him to remain outside of DOGE, based on the structure that we announced today. We thank him immensely for his contributions over the last two months and expect him to play a vital role in making America great again.”
Initially envisioned by Trump as a cornerstone of his second-term “Save America” agenda, DOGE is tasked with slashing federal regulations, eliminating wasteful programs, and finding ways to streamline the federal workforce.
Trump appointed both Musk and Ramaswamy to lead the charge, framing their outsider credentials as essential to shaking up Washington.
Elon Musk’s involvement has already raised eyebrows among ethics watchdogs due to his extensive business dealings.
Musk’s companies, including SpaceX — which holds lucrative defense contracts — and Tesla, could stand to gain from Trump administration policies. Critics argue this creates a significant conflict of interest.
Historically, grand efforts to shrink the federal government have faced stiff resistance when cuts threaten programs that millions of Americans rely on for healthcare, jobs, and military security. Whether DOGE can overcome such hurdles remains an open question.
Ramaswamy’s departure marks a new chapter in his political career. Known for his sharp criticism of identity politics and diversity programs, he has become a prominent voice in Trump’s populist “Make America Great Again” movement.
After finishing fourth in the Iowa caucuses, he endorsed Trump during the GOP primary, solidifying his status as a MAGA ally.
As one of the wealthiest millennials in the world, Ramaswamy made his fortune in biotech before pivoting to politics.
Though his time with DOGE was brief, his influence in shaping its mission and his broader alignment with Trump’s agenda signal that he remains a key player in the conservative movement’s future.
With Musk now solely in charge, all eyes will be on DOGE to see whether this unconventional pairing of billionaires can deliver on Trump’s vision of a leaner federal government — or if the endeavor will ultimately meet the same fate as similar initiatives of the past.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
