Vivek Ramaswamy steps down from Trump’s new department DOGE

Spokesperson Anna Kelly told that Ramaswamy had been essential in establishing DOGE. “He intends to run for elected office soon, which requires him to remain outside of DOGE, based on the structure that we announced today,” Kelly said.

“We thank him immensely for his contributions over the last two months and expect him to play a vital role in making America great again.”

Reports from CBS News suggest friction between Ramaswamy and incoming agency staff contributed to his departure. Sources close to Musk also expressed frustration with Ramaswamy’s limited involvement in DOGE’s operations, CBS reported.

Ramaswamy is now expected to run for Ohio governor, aiming to replace term-limited Republican Governor Mike DeWine. If he launches his campaign and wins, it would be his first public office.

The Cincinnati native previously ran for president before dropping out in January 2024 and endorsing Trump.

According to AP, Ramaswamy may face tough competition, including Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who supports the state’s strict abortion ban, and former Ohio health director Amy Acton, a Democrat who recently announced her campaign.

With Ramaswamy gone, Elon Musk is left as the sole leader of DOGE. However, the initiative is already facing legal challenges. The Trump administration was sued four times on Inauguration Day over DOGE, with three lawsuits claiming it violates federal transparency laws.

Trump is expected to issue an executive order to integrate DOGE within the federal government, despite earlier claims it would remain an independent advisory board.

This order could impact ongoing lawsuits, but Kel McClanahan, an attorney with National Security Counsellors, told their case would still stand, even if DOGE becomes a government office.

DOGE currently employs at least 17 people, including tech executives, former Trump staffers, and associates of both Musk and Ramaswamy.

Critics argue that no DOGE member represents federal employees, despite its plans to influence federal workforce policies. “Not a single member of DOGE is a federal employee,” the lawsuit states.

(with inputs from agencies)