Vivek Ramaswamy, the former Republican presidential candidate, has officially left President Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, according to a spokesperson. This news comes shortly after reports surfaced that Ramaswamy was no longer involved with DOGE and is anticipated to launch a campaign for Ohio governor in the near future.
Trump's transition spokesperson, Anna Kelly, expressed gratitude for Ramaswamy's contributions to DOGE over the past two months, acknowledging his crucial role in its creation. She explained that his upcoming run for elected office necessitates his departure from DOGE, per the initiative's structure. The statement emphasized the expectation for Ramaswamy to continue playing a significant role in advancing the "Make America Great Again" agenda.
Ramaswamy himself confirmed the news on social media, expressing his honor in supporting DOGE's establishment and confidence in Elon Musk's leadership in streamlining government operations. He also hinted at forthcoming announcements regarding his plans in Ohio and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting President Trump.
This development follows Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's recent appointment of Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by former Sen. JD Vance. Husted's appointment seemingly expedited Ramaswamy's decision to pursue the governorship, a position he had previously expressed interest in alongside a potential Senate run.
Ramaswamy, who ran for president in 2023, gained considerable momentum during his campaign, advocating for an "America First 2.0" agenda and staunchly supporting Trump. After finishing fourth in the Iowa caucuses, he endorsed Trump and became a prominent surrogate for his campaign.
With Ramaswamy's departure, Elon Musk, a significant Trump donor and ally, is now poised to lead DOGE. This follows a recent controversy involving Ramaswamy and Musk, where their support for H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers drew criticism from Trump's MAGA base. Ramaswamy's remarks about American culture prioritizing mediocrity over excellence also faced backlash from prominent right-wing figures and members of Trump's inner circle.
Ohio, traditionally a swing state, has increasingly leaned Republican in recent years, with the party dominating statewide elections.
