Elon Musk and Kerala-origin Vivek Ramaswamy to lead US Department of Government Efficiency

Washington: U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and 'X,' alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur of Kerala origin, to co-lead the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The department, designed to eliminate waste and fraud in government operations, will focus on large-scale reform.

"I am pleased to announce that the Great Elon Musk, working in conjunction with American Patriot Vivek Ramaswamy, will lead the Department of Government Efficiency ("DOGE")," Trump said in a statement on Tuesday. He added that the duo would work together to "dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies" to advance the "Save America" movement.

Aiming for large-scale reform

Trump outlined that the DOGE would collaborate with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget to introduce a more entrepreneurial approach to government. "It will become, potentially, 'The Manhattan Project' of our time," he remarked. The department’s work will focus on tackling the $6.5 trillion annual government spending, aiming for a smaller, more efficient government. Reforms are set to be completed by July 4, 2026, aligning with the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Trump expressed confidence that Musk and Ramaswamy would achieve these goals, stating, "We will drive out the massive waste and fraud... liberating our Economy and making the U.S. Government accountable to 'WE THE PEOPLE.'"

Musk and Ramaswamy react

Musk responded to the announcement by sharing a post on X (formerly Twitter) that read, "Department of Government Efficiency. The merch will be fire."

Ramaswamy also took to X, tagging Musk and writing, "We will not go gently, @elonmusk." He reiterated his campaign slogan from earlier in the year, calling for the elimination of federal agencies: "SHUT IT DOWN."

In a separate post, Ramaswamy also announced his withdrawal from consideration for a Senate appointment in Ohio, noting that he would help Governor DeWine's appointee fill the seat.

Vivek Ramaswamy’s Kerala origin

Vivek Ramaswamy brings a personal connection to his leadership role in DOGE through his Kerala roots. His father, V.G. Ramaswamy, hails from Kerala, where he completed his schooling in Vadakkencherry and graduated from Government Victoria College in Palakkad. After further studies at REC Calicut, he moved to the U.S. Vivek and his wife have visited Kerala multiple times, staying with relatives in Kalpathy, strengthening their ties to the region.

This connection to Kerala is a significant part of Ramaswamy’s background, showcasing the global influence of the Indian diaspora and his commitment to driving change in both the U.S. and abroad.

Trump's broader appointments

In addition to the DOGE announcement, Trump revealed other key appointments, including former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe as CIA Director, William Joseph McGinley as White House Counsel, former Congressman Lee Zeldin as Administrator of the EPA, and Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense.

As Trump finalises his administration ahead of his formal inauguration in January 2025, he continues to swiftly make changes to his national security and foreign policy teams.