Trump Taps Musk and Ramaswamy to Lead New ‘DOGE’ Efficiency Initiative

Trump Announces New “Department of Government Efficiency” Led by Musk and Ramaswamy

President-elect Donald Trump has unveiled plans for a new advisory body called the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), to be helmed by tech mogul Elon Musk and former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. The initiative, while not an official government agency, aims to provide guidance to the White House on streamlining government operations and reducing expenditure.

The acronym DOGE, a playful nod to Musk’s favored cryptocurrency dogecoin, underscores the unconventional approach of this new entity. Trump’s administration envisions DOGE as a catalyst for large-scale structural reform, bringing an entrepreneurial mindset to government operations.

While operational details remain unclear, the initiative may fall under the purview of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Notably, Musk and Ramaswamy, not being formal federal employees, will be exempt from asset disclosure requirements and certain ethical constraints typically applied to government officials.

Musk, who has been a frequent visitor to Mar-a-Lago since Trump’s election victory, has already suggested potential savings of over $2 trillion, representing nearly a third of annual government spending. The Tesla CEO has taken to social media to emphasize that DOGE poses a threat to bureaucracy, not democracy.

Ramaswamy, who recently suspended his own presidential campaign to endorse Trump, will work alongside Musk to dismantle government bureaucracy and reduce regulations. This appointment comes as part of Trump’s broader vision to slash wasteful expenditures and restructure federal agencies.

The creation of DOGE reflects Trump’s campaign promises to reduce government waste and inefficiency. As the transition team continues to shape the incoming administration, the impact and effectiveness of this novel approach to government reform remain to be seen.