Trump Creates Department of Government Efficiency, Appoints Musk and Ramaswamy as Heads

President-elect Donald Trump has announced the creation of a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), appointing Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead it. The new agency, focused on slashing government waste and bureaucracy, aims to streamline federal operations and reduce regulatory burdens.

Key Points:

• Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead the newly established DOGE.
• DOGE’s mission is to dismantle government bureaucracy and cut excessive spending.
• Trump has set a deadline of July 4, 2026, for DOGE to conclude its work.

Trump described DOGE as a “gift to America” for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. He envisions the department as an “outside of Government” advisory body that provides recommendations to streamline federal agencies. The department’s name, DOGE, nods to the popular Dogecoin meme and cryptocurrency, adding a playful twist linked to Musk.

Musk and Ramaswamy bring distinct approaches to the project. Musk, a longtime advocate for minimal regulations, has publicly criticized government spending and envisions a “leaderboard” to showcase wasteful expenditures. On X, Musk commented, “Threat to democracy? Nope, threat to BUREAUCRACY!!!” He also promised that DOGE’s actions will remain transparent, inviting public input on spending decisions.

Ramaswamy, a former presidential candidate known for his views on reducing federal oversight, has called for the elimination of agencies like the FBI and the Department of Education. He reiterated his campaign slogan, “SHUT IT DOWN,” on X, emphasizing his intent to drastically cut federal agencies.

Ambitious Goals and Bold Timelines

Trump has tasked DOGE with developing an action plan to eliminate fraud and improper payments within six months. He likened its goals to the scale of the Manhattan Project, promising it would “send shockwaves through the system.” Although DOGE will operate outside the traditional government structure, it is unclear how Musk and Ramaswamy will work together or how the department’s operations will be funded.

As CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk continues to hold lucrative government contracts worth billions. Observers have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, especially regarding his oversight on federal budget cuts. Nonetheless, Trump’s transition team insists that DOGE will function independently, providing guidance without direct intervention in government operations.

With DOGE, Trump aims to execute his long-promised regulatory overhaul, putting Musk and Ramaswamy at the forefront of his vision for a leaner, more efficient government.