Vivek Ramaswamy, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to co-lead Department of Government Efficiency with (DOGE) entrepreneur elon muskHe is expected to step down from the task force soon, CBS News has learned. Ramaswamy intends to announce a campaign for Ohio governor by the end of January, multiple sources confirmed to CBS News.
Ramaswamy, 39, did not comment.
People close to Musk have been privately belittling Ramaswami for several weeks, frustrated by his lack of involvement in the heavy lifting, according to sources familiar with the internal dynamics. There are differences of opinion between incoming rank-and-file DOGE employees and Ramaswamy, the sources said, and Ramaswamy has been encouraged to walk out.
“Conscience has worn out its welcome,” said a person close to Trump.
Ramaswamy recently met with current Ohio Governor Mike DeWine about the state Senate seat left vacant by Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. But on Friday, Devine announced He is appointing his Lieutenant Governor to this post.
Ramaswamy, who sought the GOP nomination in 2024, was at the president's West Palm Beach, Florida, estate, Mar-a-Lago, during the transition. One day he was seen writing plans for DOGE on a napkin at a bar with Musk, sources said. But sources said the pair have not worked together for some time.
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Ramaswamy has made issues of culture the centerpiece of his political brand, and has spoken out against “woke” policies imposed on corporate, educational and government institutions. Even as Trump's primary opponent, Ramaswamy was reluctant to cross him and was quick to praise.
Despite its name, the Department of Government Efficiency is not expected to become a full-fledged federal agency. Trump has said it will “provide advice and guidance from outside the government” and partner with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget.
Its goal is to reduce federal bureaucracy, cut federal spending, and provide advice on restructuring federal agencies, according to Trump, who ordered DOGE's work to be completed by July 2026.
Before entering politics, Ramaswamy attended Yale Law School with Vance. He made millions as a hedge fund manager and by selling stakes in the biotechnology firm he co-founded.
Contributed to this report.