Vivek Ramaswamy, the entrepreneur chosen by former President Donald Trump to co-head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Elon Musk, is reportedly set to leave his role. CBS News has discovered that Ramaswamy is planning to announce his bid for the governorship of Ohio by the end of January.
Ramaswamy, age 39, declined to comment on these speculations. Insiders close to Musk have reportedly been questioning Ramaswamy’s commitment due to his perceived lack of involvement in the department’s key tasks. Tensions have reportedly been brewing between Ramaswamy and the newly assigned DOGE staff, leading to subtle suggestions for him to step down.
A source close to Trump commented that Ramaswamy has overstayed his welcome. Ramaswamy had previously met with Ohio’s incumbent governor, Mike DeWine, regarding the Senate seat left vacant by Vice President-elect JD Vance. Despite this, DeWine has since appointed his deputy governor to fill the position.
Ramaswamy, who previously vied for the GOP nomination in 2024, was seen at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida during the transition period. Although he was once seen discussing DOGE plans with Musk, sources claim they haven’t collaborated closely for some time.
Ramaswamy has been outspoken about cultural issues, often criticizing what he perceives as “woke” policies being implemented in corporate, academic, and governmental institutions. Despite running against Trump in the primaries, Ramaswamy was typically hesitant to challenge him and often expressed his admiration.
Contrary to its name, the Department of Government Efficiency is not projected to become a full-fledged federal agency. Trump has stated that it will provide external advice and guidance, working in collaboration with the White House and Office of Management and Budget. Its primary objective is to provide recommendations on reducing the size of the federal bureaucracy, minimizing federal spending, and reorganizing federal agencies. Trump has directed that DOGE completes its work by July 2026.
Before his political career, Ramaswamy was a Yale law school classmate of Vance’s. He amassed a fortune as a hedge fund manager and sold a stake in a biotech firm he co-founded.
This report includes contributions from Shawna Mizelle. The story is brought to you by Jennifer Jacobs, a seasoned White House reporter at CBS News.
