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Vivek Ramaswamy expected to exit DOGE, leaving Elon Musk at the helm: Here’s why
Vivek Ramaswamy, co-leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Elon Musk, is reportedly considering stepping down from the role. The reason is believed to be his plans to launch a campaign for Ohio governor, leaving Musk to lead the Trump-backed initiative aimed at streamlining federal bureaucracy. The departure comes amid reported tensions within DOGE and criticism of Ramaswamy’s involvement in the project.
Vivek Ramaswamy exiting DOGE?
Regarding his exit from DOGE, CBS News has confirmed through multiple sources that the American entrepreneur and politician, who ran against Trump in the 2024 presidential elections before ultimately supporting him after withdrawing from his campaign, plans to announce his Ohio gubernatorial campaign as soon as the end of January.
Tensions have reportedly arisen between Ramaswamy and the DOGE staff, leading to subtle suggestions for his exit. “Vivek has worn out his welcome,” one person close to Trump told CBS.
Also read: Indian-origin Vivek Ramaswamy reacts to parody account announcing his candidacy for Ohio governor: ‘Not a…’
Vice President-elect JD Vance has left his U.S. Senate seat in Ohio. To fill the vacancy, Governor Mike DeWine appointed Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted to the Senate seat, which will require a special election in November 2026. Since Husted has moved to the Senate, the role of lieutenant governor is now open. No comments from Ramaswamy have been made yet.
A meeting without Musk
Politico reports, on Saturday, Vivek Ramaswamy attended an all-hands meeting for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the SpaceX headquarters in Washington, according to sources familiar with the department’s operations. Notably, Elon Musk, Ramaswamy’s co-leader in the initiative, was absent from the meeting.
Also read: Donald Trump dances with village people at DC victory rally before inauguration: Watch
The division of labor between Musk and Ramaswamy has been clear, according to insiders. While Musk handles the overarching vision for DOGE, Ramaswamy focuses on deregulation. The rest of the team is responsible for implementing the strategies. Behind the scenes, some in Trump’s circle view Ramaswamy’s budding gubernatorial campaign as a convenient way to streamline Musk’s leadership within DOGE.
The Department of Government Efficiency is not a formal federal agency. Instead, it serves as an advisory body working with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget to provide recommendations on reducing bureaucracy and improving efficiency.
A makeshift memorial stands outside the Farragut West Metro station on December 01, 2025 in Washington, DC. Two West Virginia National Guard troops were shot blocks from the White House on November 26.
Heather Diehl/Getty Images
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Heather Diehl/Getty Images
They survived some of the Afghanistan War’s most grueling and treacherous missions.
But once they evacuated to the U.S., many Afghan fighters who served in “Zero Units” found themselves spiraling.
Among their ranks was Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the man charged with killing one National Guard member and seriously injuring a second after opening fire on them in Washington, D.C. on Thanksgiving Eve.
NPR’s Brian Mann spoke to people involved in Zero Units and learned some have struggled with mental health since coming to the U.S. At least four soldiers have died by suicide.
For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.
This episode was produced by Erika Ryan and Karen Zamora. It was edited by Alina Hartounian and Courtney Dorning.
Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.
new video loaded: Behind the Supreme Court’s Push to Expand Presidential Power
By Ann E. Marimow, Claire Hogan, Stephanie Swart and Pierre Kattar
December 12, 2025
Gideon talks to Jens Stoltenberg, Nato’s former secretary-general, about Ukraine and Europe’s strategic priorities after recent scathing criticism from US president Donald Trump over its failure to end the war: ‘They talk but they don’t produce.’ Clip: Politico
Free links to read more on this topic:
The White House’s rupture with the western alliance
Trump pushes for ‘free economic zone’ in Donbas, says Zelenskyy
Friedrich Merz offers to host Ukraine talks so deal not done ‘above Europe’s head’
Ukraine’s ‘fortress belt’ that Donald Trump wants to trade for peace
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