Entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy announced his departure from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in a post on X. Ramaswamy co-led DOGE with Elon Musk but is now expected to run for governor of Ohio.
Though Ramaswamy did not confirm his next steps, major media outlets reported that he is preparing to enter Ohio’s gubernatorial race. Current Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s second and final term ends in January 2027.
Was It A Forced Exit?
Ramaswamy’s departure may not have been entirely voluntary. Reports suggest that Elon Musk recently pushed for Ramaswamy’s exit from DOGE. A Republican strategist close to Donald Trump’s advisers said Ramaswamy had “burned bridges” with key figures, including Musk.
The tension may stem from Ramaswamy’s public criticism of American workplace culture. In December, he posted on X that U.S. companies hire foreign workers partly because of a culture that prioritizes “mediocrity over excellence.”
DOGE spokesperson Anna Kelly confirmed Ramaswamy’s exit, citing the organization’s rules. “He intends to run for elected office soon, which requires him to remain outside of DOGE,” Kelly said in a statement to the Associated Press.
DOGE Faces Legal Hurdles While Musk Takes Full Control
DOGE was created as part of a series of executive orders signed by President Donald Trump on his first day in office. The organization, named after Musk’s favorite cryptocurrency Dogecoin, aims to reduce federal spending by cutting budgets and eliminating government jobs.
Since its creation, DOGE has faced criticism and legal challenges. Advocacy groups like Public Citizen filed lawsuits immediately after Trump’s inauguration, claiming DOGE violated the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The lawsuits argue that DOGE allows private individuals to influence government decisions without proper transparency or oversight.
Ramaswamy hinted at future announcements in his X post, saying he would share more details soon. He also reaffirmed his support for Trump.
