Trump Taps Musk to Help ‘Dismantle’ Government Bureaucracy

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Elon Musk to lead a new government initiative called the Department of Government Efficiency, or “Doge” for short. This new role is designed to cut down on waste and simplify government operations. The name “Doge” also hints at Musk’s favorite cryptocurrency, Dogecoin.

Biotech investor Vivek Ramaswamy will join Musk in this effort. Trump shared that the two will work together to help “drive big changes” in how the government operates. Their main goal is to reduce government spending and cut unnecessary regulations.

Musk, a major supporter of Trump’s campaign, had been widely expected to join the new administration. Ramaswamy, who ran against Trump in the Republican primaries before endorsing him, is also on board to help with this project.

Trump stated that the Doge initiative will focus on “dismantling bureaucracy, cutting regulations, and reducing waste.” While Doge isn’t an official government department (which would need approval from Congress), Musk and Ramaswamy will work directly with the White House to find ways to save money in the $6.5 trillion federal budget.

Previously, Musk suggested cutting federal spending by $2 trillion but has yet to share specifics. He also proposed eliminating certain government agencies he believes have overlapping roles. Trump has compared this project to the famous Manhattan Project, which was America’s top-secret effort to develop nuclear weapons during World War II.

Trump said he wants Musk and Ramaswamy to complete their work by July 4, 2026, which would coincide with America’s 250th Independence Day. He believes a more efficient government would be a fitting way to celebrate this anniversary.

In a press statement, Musk said, “This will shake things up, especially for people involved in government waste.” Later, Musk posted on his social media platform, X: “Threat to democracy? Nope, threat to BUREAUCRACY!!!”

Ramaswamy, who once suggested firing 75% of federal employees and closing down agencies like the Department of Education, announced he was withdrawing from consideration for Ohio’s open Senate seat to focus on this role.

Since Trump’s recent win, Musk has reportedly been in close contact with him at Trump’s estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Musk also joined Trump on a recent call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

At the same time, Dogecoin has surged in value following Musk’s appointment.

Alongside the Doge initiative, Trump has also announced other top appointments: John Ratcliffe, former intelligence director, will lead the CIA; South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is set to become Secretary of Homeland Security; and Fox News host Pete Hegseth, an Iraq War veteran and longtime Trump supporter, has been nominated as Defense Secretary.

These picks show Trump’s plans to reshape the government and prioritize efficiency, reduced spending, and a streamlined government structure in his upcoming term.