U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced that Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy will co-head a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This new department, set to streamline federal operations, will focus on reducing bureaucracy, cutting regulations, and restructuring government agencies. Trump stated that the department’s informal nature allows Musk and Ramaswamy to serve without Senate confirmation.
The department will collaborate with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), aiming to achieve large-scale government reforms by July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Musk, who supported Trump’s campaign financially, is expected to bring a business-driven approach to the role, leveraging his influence in Washington for potential benefits to his companies.
Ramaswamy confirmed that his appointment to this new role means he will withdraw from consideration for an Ohio Senate seat. The department has drawn criticism from Public Citizen, a consumer rights organization, which argued Musk’s background may be at odds with the role’s objectives.
In a statement on X, Musk committed to full transparency, stating all actions of the department would be shared publicly.
