Former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who had been selected to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, is stepping down from his role.
This development comes amid speculation about Ramaswamy’s plans to run for governor of Ohio, sources told CBS News.
Tensions have reportedly grown between Ramaswamy and the incoming DOGE team. Sources close to Musk have expressed dissatisfaction with Ramaswamy’s contributions, with complaints that the biotech millionaire was not meeting expectations. Additionally, friction has reportedly developed between Ramaswamy and DOGE staff members.
“Vivek has worn out his welcome,” a person close to President-elect Donald Trump told CBS News, signaling a breakdown in trust and cooperation within the task force.
Ramaswamy recently engaged in discussions with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine about filling the Senate seat vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance.
However, on Friday, DeWine announced his decision to appoint Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted to the position, ending speculation about Ramaswamy’s chances for the role.
Ramaswamy was previously a contender for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, a campaign that bolstered his national profile. During the transition period, he was seen at Mar-a-Lago, brainstorming with Musk at the estate’s bar.
According to sources, the pair reportedly drafted initial ideas for DOGE on a napkin during their meeting. However, their collaboration has been minimal since those early conversations.
Known for his outspoken criticism of “woke” policies and the so-called “administrative state,” Ramaswamy has positioned himself as a vocal advocate for reforming bureaucratic inefficiencies in corporate, academic, and government institutions.
His rhetoric on dismantling the “American bureaucratic leviathan” initially made him seem like a natural fit for DOGE, which was envisioned as a groundbreaking initiative to streamline government operations.
Despite his alignment with the task force’s mission, internal challenges appear to have hindered his ability to fully integrate into the team.
Sources suggest that Ramaswamy’s ambitious political aspirations, including his potential gubernatorial run, may have contributed to his departure from DOGE.
Elon Musk, the other co-leader of DOGE, has yet to comment publicly on the matter. However, insiders suggest that Musk remains focused on driving the initiative forward, even as the team adapts to Ramaswamy’s exit.
This news adds another layer to Ramaswamy’s evolving political journey. His gubernatorial ambitions reflect a continued desire to shape policy at the state level, particularly in his home state of Ohio.
With the Senate seat no longer an option and his departure from DOGE, all eyes are now on Ramaswamy’s next move as he seeks to solidify his influence within the Republican Party.
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