President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, alongside entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, to lead a new initiative focused on enhancing government efficiency, titled the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Trump announced this decision on Tuesday, emphasizing the mission to reduce bureaucracy, cut excess regulations, and streamline federal agencies. Trump noted that DOGE would partner with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to implement entrepreneurial strategies for structural reform.
Trump stated that this department would be “the Manhattan Project of our time,” aiming to make the U.S. government more accountable and efficient, with a target completion date of July 4, 2026, aligning with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Musk and Ramaswamy will work to eliminate waste across the $6.5 trillion federal budget, striving to create a smaller, more agile government.
Following the announcement, Musk posted on social media platform X, saying, “Department of Government Efficiency The merch will be fire.” Ramaswamy echoed the sentiment with a post stating, “We will not go gently, @elonmusk,” and reiterated his commitment to reducing federal agencies with his slogan, “SHUT IT DOWN.”
Ramaswamy also confirmed his decision to withdraw from consideration for a Senate appointment in Ohio, pledging to support whomever Governor DeWine chooses as JD Vance’s successor.
This announcement follows Trump’s other major appointments, including John Ratcliffe as CIA Director, William McGinley as White House Counsel, former Congressman Lee Zeldin as EPA Administrator, and Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. These choices align with Trump’s vision of a more streamlined, accountable government as he prepares for his inauguration in January 2025.
