Trump appoints Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead new "Department of Government Efficiency"

President-elect Donald Trump has revealed plans to establish the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE). The new department will be led by high-profile business leaders Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate. The goal of DOGE is to overhaul federal agencies by identifying wasteful spending, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles, and implementing cost-saving measures across the government.

The announcement comes as part of Trump’s broader agenda to streamline government operations. DOGE will operate under the direct authority of the White House and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The department will be tasked with conducting thorough evaluations of existing federal programs and recommending changes to improve operational efficiency, minimize excess spending, and enhance overall performance. Trump has emphasized that the department’s formation represents a key step in his administration's commitment to creating a more efficient, transparent, and responsive federal government.

The new department will operate independently of Congress, with the authority to restructure federal agencies, review budgets, and eliminate programs deemed inefficient or redundant. Musk and Ramaswamy will collaborate with a team of policy experts to identify areas within the federal bureaucracy that could benefit from privatization, digitization, and the application of business-minded solutions. As private sector figures with experience in disruptive technologies and market-based approaches, Musk and Ramaswamy are expected to bring a fresh perspective to governmental operations.

Musk’s experience with large-scale engineering projects, space exploration, and energy innovation is expected to be central to the department’s approach to reforming government operations. Ramaswamy, known for his advocacy of deregulation and business-friendly policies, will likely focus on reducing government oversight, streamlining regulatory processes, and promoting competitive practices within federal programs. Both leaders will work closely with federal officials to implement reforms that could dramatically reshape the way the U.S. government functions.

One of the core objectives of the DOGE will be to cut down on red tape and bureaucratic delays that often hinder federal projects. The department will be empowered to scrutinize federal spending on programs such as infrastructure, defense, healthcare, and education, looking for opportunities to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality or effectiveness. Both Musk and Ramaswamy have voiced concerns about the waste and inefficiency that often plague government programs and have long advocated for a more results-oriented approach to public spending.

Musk’s track record of revolutionizing industries, including electric vehicles, renewable energy, and space exploration, has positioned him as an ideal candidate to lead such an initiative. His experience in navigating complex government regulations to achieve breakthrough innovations could provide the department with valuable insights into cutting through bureaucratic inertia. Ramaswamy’s experience in the biotech industry and his focus on free-market solutions could help guide the department’s efforts to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses and streamline governmental operations.

The Department of Government Efficiency will not require Senate approval, allowing Musk and Ramaswamy to begin implementing their vision immediately. The department is expected to make significant progress over the next few years, with its first set of recommendations anticipated by the end of 2025. Trump has stated that the department’s work will be critical in ensuring that federal programs remain accountable and that taxpayer dollars are spent more effectively. The department is expected to conclude its reform efforts by July 4, 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The department will be accountable to the public, with all findings, recommendations, and reforms being made publicly available. This transparency will ensure that the American public can track the progress of the initiative and hold the department accountable for its actions. Trump has indicated that the success of this new department will be a key indicator of his administration’s commitment to government reform and fiscal responsibility.