Janice R. Andrews
Elon Musk has made his mark on Washington, using his growing influence to remove Vivek Ramaswamy from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Just 69 days after its creation by former President Donald Trump, DOGE has already encountered internal discord, with Ramaswamy’s tenure cut short. Sources reveal that Musk, the tech mogul and close Trump ally, played a decisive role in pushing Ramaswamy out, signaling Musk’s rising clout within the administration.
Musk’s Growing Clout
According to insiders, Musk was vocal about his desire to see Ramaswamy removed from DOGE leadership. The breaking point came after Ramaswamy’s controversial comments on X (formerly Twitter) about H-1B visas. In his post, Ramaswamy criticized American culture, claiming that tech companies favor hiring foreign workers due to a societal trend of “venerating mediocrity over excellence.” The remarks were widely criticized and exacerbated existing tensions.
“They wanted him out before the tweet — but the post sealed his fate,” said a source familiar with the situation. Ramaswamy’s tweet reportedly irritated Musk, who found it inconsistent with DOGE’s goals and Ramaswamy’s role as a public representative.
Frustrations Behind the Scenes
Ramaswamy’s time at DOGE had already been contentious. He reportedly struggled to maintain focus on his responsibilities while preparing for a potential gubernatorial campaign in Ohio. Musk, who has been involved in shaping DOGE’s agenda, viewed this dual focus as unworkable. “He burned through bridges and, eventually, Elon,” said a Republican strategist close to Trump’s team. “Everyone wants him out—out of Mar-a-Lago, out of D.C.”
While Ramaswamy initially aimed to notch early successes at DOGE to bolster his political profile, his inability to deliver progress undermined his standing. One insider revealed that Ramaswamy had done minimal DOGE-related work since early December, despite his public claims of involvement.
Official Statements and Damage Control
In an effort to minimize the fallout, Trump’s transition spokesperson, Anna Kelly, praised Ramaswamy’s contributions to DOGE. She emphasized that his decision to run for Ohio governor required him to step away from his leadership role. “Vivek played a critical role in helping us create DOGE,” Kelly stated, framing his departure as a logistical necessity.
Ramaswamy and his allies have also worked to reframe the narrative, portraying his exit as a natural transition. “The reality is that it wasn’t possible to co-lead DOGE while running for governor,” said a person familiar with Ramaswamy’s perspective.
GOP Reactions and Mockery
Despite these efforts, Ramaswamy’s departure has been met with ridicule in some Republican circles. Staffers in House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office reportedly circulated a meme depicting Musk as Stalin and Ramaswamy as a Soviet official erased from history. Although a spokesperson for Johnson denied the claim, the meme highlights the growing tensions surrounding Ramaswamy.
In Ohio, Ramaswamy faced another setback when Governor Mike DeWine passed him over for a vacant Senate seat, despite his late lobbying efforts. This rejection further eroded his political momentum.
Musk’s Role in Shaping DOGE
The removal of Ramaswamy underscores Musk’s increasing sway in the Trump administration. Once an outsider in politics, Musk is now a significant power broker, influencing decisions with far-reaching implications. At a recent rally, Trump praised DOGE’s mission to reduce government costs but made no mention of Ramaswamy’s departure, a sign of his alignment with Musk’s actions.
Musk’s ability to orchestrate Ramaswamy’s exit demonstrates his influence over key appointments, signaling that DOGE may not just tackle government inefficiency but also serve as a stage for political power plays.
Ramaswamy’s Next Steps
Ramaswamy, meanwhile, is pivoting toward his next political chapter. On Monday, he posted a photo on X shaking hands with Musk, captioned “A new dawn.” However, sources confirmed his departure was already finalized. As he prepares to announce his candidacy for Ohio governor, Ramaswamy is working to distance himself from the controversy and refocus on his campaign.
Whether he can recover from this turbulent chapter remains uncertain. While his allies attempt to cast his exit as a strategic move, critics view it as a misstep that undermines his credibility within both Washington and Ohio politics.
DOGE Faces Early Turmoil
Ramaswamy’s exit points to broader challenges for DOGE, which has already become a focal point for internal Republican conflicts. The infighting reflects the chaos that often characterized Trump’s first term, raising questions about the stability of his second administration.
Musk’s decisive role in this shake-up reveals his determination to shape DOGE’s trajectory—and perhaps the Republican Party’s future. For now, Ramaswamy’s departure marks an early win for Musk, solidifying his influence in Washington. The bigger question remains: How will Musk’s leadership shape the GOP and the broader political landscape in the years ahead?
