From decrypt by Sebastian Sinclair

Vivek Ramaswamy. Image: Shutterstock

Elon Musk is now the sole leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) after biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy stepped down to pursue a gubernatorial campaign in Ohio, officials said Monday.

Ramaswamy co-founded DOGE with Musk in November 2024 as part of President Donald Trump’s “Save America” initiative to cut government waste, reduce regulations, and restructure federal agencies. 

His departure leaves Musk, a vocal advocate for cost-cutting, at the helm of the extra-governmental initiative.

“Vivek Ramaswamy played a critical role in helping us create DOGE,” spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement cited by the Associated Press. “He intends to run for elected office soon, which requires him to remain outside of DOGE, based on the structure that we announced today.”

DOGE’s acronym has drawn widespread attention due to its connection with Dogecoin (DOGE), the meme crypto that Musk has championed for years. 

Known as the “Dogefather,” Musk’s public endorsements of Dogecoin have repeatedly caused price surges, including a recent uptick following his promotion to lead DOGE late last year.

Critics, however, have expressed skepticism about DOGE’s objectives. Initially promising $2 trillion in government cuts, Musk recently backtracked, describing the goal as unlikely but maintaining a target of $1 trillion.

Adding to the initiative’s momentum, Trump issued an executive order on Monday, halting the hiring of federal civilian employees across the executive branch.

The order, part of a broader plan to streamline government operations, tasked the Office of Management and Budget with developing a plan to reduce the federal workforce through efficiency measures and attrition. DOGE is expected to play a key role in shaping those recommendations.

Unlike official federal departments, DOGE operates outside government channels, relying on private-sector experts and Republican allies in Congress to push its proposals. 

Musk and Ramaswamy’s partnership drew attention for its Silicon Valley ties, including advisors like Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale and venture capitalist Marc Andreessen.

The initiative’s connection to Musk’s Dogecoin fandom has also caused a stir among crypto circles.

A Trump campaign shirt featuring Musk, Trump, and a Shiba Inu dog on the campaign trail added to the playful yet controversial overlap between DOGE and crypto meme culture.