Vivek Ramaswamy has announced his resignation from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), just hours after President Donald Trump took office. The entrepreneur and former candidate for the Republican presidential nomination is stepping away from his role to pursue his ambitions of running for governor of Ohio.
Created under the Trump administration, DOGE was intended to streamline governmental operations by reducing bureaucracy and cutting waste. Ramaswamy, who was initially appointed as co-leader alongside billionaire Elon Musk, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and confidence in Musk's leadership moving forward.
Ramaswamy stated on X, "It was my honor to help support the creation of DOGE. I'm confident Elon and team will succeed in streamlining government. I'll have more to say very soon about my future plans in Ohio." His departure was confirmed by Anna Kelly, spokesperson for the Trump administration, who acknowledged Ramaswamy's contributions over the past two months. "Vivek Ramaswamy played a key role in creating the Department of Government Efficiency. He now intends to run for elected office, which requires his departure from DOGE," Kelly stated.
The timing of Ramaswamy's exit has sparked discussions about his political aspirations, particularly as he aims to fill the gubernatorial role now held by Mike DeWine, who is term-limited. Sources suggest Ramaswamy's public declarations and the backing of senators like Marsha Blackburn show he is committed to this new path.
While Ramaswamy's resignation appears amicable, reports highlight undercurrents of tension within DOGE. Some insiders noted frustration with Ramaswamy’s limited participation, which raised eyebrows among team members and insiders close to Musk. It has been suggested by those familiar with the situation, including several who spoke under anonymity, Musk indicated he preferred to lead DOGE without Ramaswamy.
A notable moment leading to this shift occurred shortly before Ramaswamy's resignation when he posted controversial comments on X criticizing the hiring practices related to H-1B visas, which reportedly irked several figures within the Trump administration.
Discussions of Ramaswamy's political future are intensifying as Ohio's gubernatorial election approaches, scheduled for November 2026. The public backing from influential figures like Blackburn adds weight to his prospective campaign. An operative close to Ramaswamy mentioned, "Vivek's base plan remains the same: to get accomplishments at DOGE and then announce his run for governor shortly." They also hinted at the likelihood of Ramaswamy sharing more on his plans soon.
Throughout his tenure at DOGE, Ramaswamy's relationships shifted. While initially viewed as closely aligned with Musk and Trump, his recent controversy and subsequent influence with Republican peers appear to have strained those connections. The departure has already created waves of speculation about potential rivalries within the Ohio Republican circles.
The DOGE initiative, aimed at reforming federal management and eliminating unnecessary regulations, seems set to continue under Musk’s sole leadership, as Trump had signed the establishment of the department via executive order shortly before Ramaswamy's exit.
While the intent behind DOGE focused on efficiency and governmental reform, the internal dynamics reveal challenges as influential players navigate their roles within the administration. Ramaswamy's decision marks both the closing of one chapter and potentially the beginning of another ambitious political undertaking.
Future developments will likely draw even more attention as Ohio's electoral race heats up. Observers will keep a close watch on how Ramaswamy frames his platform, especially considering his experience at DOGE and the broader goals of the new administration.