Entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has officially stepped down as co-leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a federal advisory body created by President Donald Trump. Ramaswamy’s departure, announced via a Jan. 20 X post, comes amid speculation about his candidacy for Ohio governor.
“It was my honor to help support the creation of DOGE,” Ramaswamy stated. “I’m confident that Elon [Musk] and the team will succeed in streamlining government.”
DOGE spokesperson Anna Kelly confirmed the departure, citing structural rules prohibiting members from actively running for public office while holding advisory positions. Ramaswamy reiterated his support for Trump while hinting at forthcoming political announcements.
Ohio Governor Bid in Focus
Reports from CBS News and The New York Times suggest that Ramaswamy plans to announce his candidacy for Ohio governor, potentially positioning himself as a pro-crypto Republican in a pivotal Midwestern state. Current Governor Mike DeWine, whose term ends in January 2027, cannot seek reelection due to term limits.
On Jan. 18, Ramaswamy fueled speculation by resharing a parody X post suggesting his gubernatorial bid, commenting that it wasn’t “a bad idea.” This move aligns with his outspoken persona and broader criticism of U.S. policies, including his controversial remarks about corporate hiring practices.
Critics suggest internal disagreements within DOGE may have accelerated his departure. Politico reported that Elon Musk, DOGE’s now-sole leader, sought Ramaswamy’s exit after tensions grew over his statements and political ambitions.
DOGE Faces Challenges Under Musk’s Sole Leadership
Created by executive order on President Trump’s first day in office, DOGE was envisioned as a tool to slash federal spending through budget cuts and workforce reductions. Named after Musk’s favored cryptocurrency, Dogecoin (DOGE), the advisory group has been a lightning rod for criticism.
Shortly after its inception, DOGE was hit with lawsuits from consumer advocacy groups, including Public Citizen. These lawsuits allege that the organization violates the Federal Advisory Committee Act by granting private individuals undue influence over government decisions without adequate oversight.
Despite the controversies, Musk remains optimistic about DOGE’s mission. Under his leadership, the group aims to streamline federal operations and implement sweeping reforms.
Key Highlights
- Ramaswamy’s exit from DOGE marks a significant political shift.
- Ohio gubernatorial bid could position him as a crypto-friendly leader.
- Musk faces lawsuits and criticism as DOGE’s sole head.
As the DOGE advisory board adapts to these changes, the spotlight now turns to Ramaswamy’s potential political ambitions and Musk’s vision for government efficiency.
