Trump says Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy will form outside group ‘Department of Government Efficiency,’ or DOGE

On Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump announced that Elon Musk and former Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy will head a new initiative called the "Department of Government Efficiency." However, it's important to note that this is not an actual government agency, despite its name.

The term "DOGE" refers to Musk's preferred cryptocurrency, dogecoin. In a statement, Trump mentioned that Musk and Ramaswamy will support the White House by providing “advice and guidance” from outside the administration. They will collaborate with the Office of Management and Budget to implement significant reforms and introduce a fresh, entrepreneurial perspective to the government. Trump suggested that this initiative would disrupt traditional government operations.

The way the organization will function isn't fully established yet. It might fall under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, which outlines the rules for outside groups that provide guidance to the government and requires them to be transparent and answerable to the public.

Federal workers usually have to report their assets and connections to avoid any conflicts of interest, as well as sell off major investments linked to their job. However, since Musk and Ramaswamy wouldn't be official federal employees, they wouldn't be subject to those rules or ethical restrictions.

Musk shared on X: "Government Efficiency Department. The merchandise will be amazing!" He followed up with another post saying, "Is it a danger to democracy? Absolutely not, it's a threat to BUREAUCRACY!!!"

Since Trump won the presidential election, Musk has been a regular visitor at Mar-a-Lago.

The incoming president has frequently mentioned that he plans to assign Musk a formal position leading a team similar to an elite advisory board tasked with proposing strategies to reduce expenditures and enhance the efficiency of the federal government. Musk has even claimed he could identify over $2 trillion in potential savings, which is close to a third of the government’s total yearly budget.

Trump indicated that it was unlikely Musk would take on a full-time role due to his various other obligations.

"I doubt I'll be able to have him on board full-time since he's quite occupied with launching rockets and all his other activities," Trump mentioned during a rally in Michigan in September. "He pointed out that the waste in this country is outrageous. We're planning to bring Elon Musk in to help reduce our costs."

In January, Ramaswamy paused his campaign and expressed his backing for Trump.

In his statement, Trump mentioned that the two will help his Administration remove government red tape, eliminate unnecessary regulations, reduce wasteful spending, and reorganize federal agencies.

WHYY provides accurate, thorough journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we depend on financial contributions from readers like you. Consider making a donation today.