Vivek Ramaswamy Exits DOGE Leadership to Pursue Ohio Governorship

Entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has announced his departure from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump-era initiative he co-led with Elon Musk. In a January 20 post on X, Ramaswamy expressed pride in contributing to DOGE’s establishment and voiced confidence in Musk’s ability to lead the organization. While he did not explicitly confirm his next steps, multiple reports suggest he is gearing up for a gubernatorial run in Ohio.

Ramaswamy Steps Down

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s tenure will conclude in January 2027 due to term limits, leaving the door open for Ramaswamy to potentially vie for the position. In recent weeks, Ramaswamy shared posts hinting at his interest in the role, including a playful response to a parody account’s declaration of his candidacy.

DOGE spokesperson Anna Kelly confirmed the departure, citing structural rules that require Ramaswamy to step back if he seeks elected office. Kelly praised his contributions, describing him as pivotal in shaping DOGE’s vision.

Controversies and Challenges

Ramaswamy’s exit comes amid a swirl of controversies surrounding his outspoken critiques of American culture and corporate hiring practices. In December, he drew significant attention for comments on X accusing U.S. companies of favoring foreign workers over domestic talent, a statement that ruffled feathers both within and outside his political base.

Adding to the tension, Politico reported that Musk had recently pushed for Ramaswamy removal, citing strained relationships with key figures in Washington and Mar-a-Lago. “He just burned through the bridges, and he finally burned Elon,” remarked a Republican strategist with ties to Trump’s inner circle.

DOGE, which Musk will now helm solo, has faced its own set of challenges. Created on President Trump’s first day in office via executive order, the advisory organization aims to streamline federal spending through aggressive budget cuts and staffing reductions. However, it has drawn backlash, with consumer advocacy groups like Public Citizen filing lawsuits minutes after its inception. Critics argue DOGE violates the Federal Advisory Committee Act by permitting private individuals to influence government decisions without sufficient transparency or oversight.