2025-01-21
On Jan 20, 2025, former presidential
candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has announced his departure from the Department of
Government Efficiency (DOGE), he announces his intention to run for governor of
Ohio.
The move leaves billionaire Elon Musk
as the sole head of the government efficiency advisory group established under
President Donald Trump.
In a statement on X, Ramaswamy
expressed confidence in Musk's leadership, saying, “It was my honor to help
support the creation of DOGE.
I’m confident that Elon and the team
will succeed in streamlining government. I’ll have more to say very soon about
my future plans in Ohio.”
Ramaswamy’s exit follows reports from CBS
News and The New York Times indicating his gubernatorial bid.
If confirmed, Ramaswamy would seek to
replace Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, whose term ends in January 2027 due to legal
term limits. The Ohio gubernatorial election is slated for November 2026.
Anna Kelly, a spokesperson for DOGE,
praised Ramaswamy's contributions: “He played a critical role in helping us
create DOGE. He intends to run for elected office soon, which requires him to
remain outside of DOGE based on the structure that we announced today.”
Ramaswamy’s decision comes amid
speculation about his political aspirations, fueled by a January 18 X post
where he humorously acknowledged a parody account’s suggestion of a
gubernatorial run, calling it “not a bad idea.”
Controversies Surrounding Ramaswamy
Ramaswamy’s tenure at DOGE was not
without challenges. Reports from Politico suggest that Musk pushed for
Ramaswamy's removal due to strained relations.
Additionally, Ramaswamy has faced
criticism for statements regarding American culture and hiring practices in the
tech sector, accusing companies of valuing "mediocrity over
excellence."
DOGE, an advisory body created via
executive order on Trump’s first day in office, aims to reduce federal spending
through budget cuts and streamlining initiatives.
However, it has faced legal challenges
from consumer advocacy groups alleging violations of transparency laws.
Ramaswamy, 39, a Harvard and Yale Law
School graduate, made his fortune in hedge funds and pharmaceutical ventures
before entering politics.
A close ally of President Trump and
Vice President JD Vance, Ramaswamy has positioned himself as a pro-crypto
Republican with aspirations to reform state governance.
As Ohio prepares for the next
gubernatorial race, Ramaswamy’s potential candidacy could reshape the political
landscape in the state, with many watching his next move closely.