WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday that billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy will spearhead a newly created Department of Government Efficiency. Trump has tasked Musk and Ramaswamy with guiding his administration in efforts to streamline federal operations and reduce regulatory burdens.
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“Together, these two wonderful Americans will pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies,” Trump stated.
A Unique, Non-Governmental Advisory Department
The Department of Government Efficiency, while partnering with the White House and Office of Management & Budget, will operate independently of any official U.S. government agency. According to Trump, this entity will provide advisory support from outside the government, aiming to drive impactful structural reforms across federal agencies.
However, details regarding the department’s funding were not disclosed in Trump’s announcement.
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Transparency and Public Input Key to New Department
Musk responded to his appointment in a post on X, emphasizing the department’s commitment to transparency. “All actions of the Department of Government Efficiency will be posted online for maximum transparency,” Musk wrote. He encouraged public feedback, stating, “Anytime the public thinks we are cutting something important or not cutting something wasteful, just let us know!”
Musk further revealed plans for a public “leaderboard” to track and display government spending, promising a spotlight on the “most insanely dumb spending” of taxpayer dollars. “This will be both extremely tragic and extremely entertaining,” he remarked.
Trump also cited the new department’s role in tackling the “massive waste and fraud” he claims are embedded within the federal government’s $6.5 trillion budget.
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Musk’s Role: An Advisor, Not a Government Employee
Currently the CEO of six major companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, and X, Musk will not be required to divest from his businesses, as he won’t become a formal government employee. His advisory position will allow him to maintain his role across these organizations while consulting with Trump’s administration.
During the 2024 campaign, Trump spoke openly about including Musk in his administration if elected. At a September address to the Economic Club of New York, Trump hinted that Musk would lead a task force tasked with conducting a “complete financial and performance audit of the entire federal government” and provide “recommendations for drastic reforms.”
Following Trump’s remarks, Musk expressed his interest in working for the public good, posting on X, “I look forward to serving America if the opportunity arises.”
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Ramaswamy Calls for Unity and Support for Trump’s Vision
Biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who suspended his campaign in January, has since been a vocal supporter of Trump’s administration. Known for his advocacy of Trump’s platform, Ramaswamy recently emphasized Trump’s dedication to improving lives across the political spectrum, encouraging unity in the process.
“Donald Trump is focused on what makes people’s lives better,” Ramaswamy said. “And actually, my message to Democrats out there, even those who didn’t vote for Donald Trump, is to give him a chance to actually make your life better.”
As Musk and Ramaswamy take on their roles within the new department, they face the significant challenge of transforming Trump’s vision of government efficiency into reality, addressing long-standing issues of federal waste and inefficiency while promoting transparency and public involvement.
