Key Takeaways:
- Public reactions: Critics highlight the irony of having two leaders in a department focused on efficiency.
- Musk's stance: Musk criticizes excessive government spending and regulations, calling for streamlined oversight.
- Ramaswamy’s alignment: Ramaswamy’s deregulation views align with Trump’s vision for controlling federal waste.
YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — President-elect Donald Trump appointed Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a decision that quickly fueled online satire. The dual appointment of two well-known figures to oversee a department dedicated to “efficiency” has drawn widespread reactions and jokes, as critics question the rationale behind having two leaders in a role traditionally held by one.
DOGE Appointment Sparks Online Backlash
Among those commenting on the decision, Senator Elizabeth Warren posted on X noting,
“The Office of Government Efficiency is off to a great start with split leadership: two people to do the work of one person.”
The internet reacted quickly, turning the announcement into material for satire. Alex Byers, a former Politico journalist, shared an image from a Saturday Night Live skit aired in June 2023 that humorously portrays George Washington’s vision for the United States. Byers’ post questioned the logic of appointing two efficiency experts to one department.
Liz Charboneau, vice president of research at American Bridge 21st Century, also added to the commentary with an image from 30 Rock featuring characters labeled as “Solvers” and “The Problem.” Captioned “Elon and Vivek,”.
Musk’s Position on Government Spending and Waste
Elon has consistently criticized what he sees as excessive government spending and waste. In September, during a speech at the Economic Club of New York, Trump hinted at Musk’s potential role in an efficiency commission within the federal government. Musk later responded to the idea, posting on X,
“I look forward to serving America if the opportunity arises. No pay, no title, no recognition is needed.”
Musk has been vocal about his concerns regarding federal regulations and spending. On September 6, he stated,
“The country is choked with nonsense regulations, and excessive government spending is driving a great misallocation of human resources.”
Later, on September 21, he warned,
“Federal government spending will bankrupt the country unless action is taken to reduce government waste. This is what causes inflation!”
Ramaswamy and Musk Team Up to Tackle Government Oversight
Vivek Ramaswamy, known for his stances on deregulation and free speech, complements Musk’s views on reducing government oversight. Overall, while Trump’s supporters see this move as an effort to control federal waste, critics view the dual leadership approach as an ironic misstep for a department meant to promote efficiency.