13th November, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Incoming President Donald Trump has appointed tech magnate Elon Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The appointments were announced Tuesday, marking a bold move to address what Trump describes as “massive waste and bureaucracy” in the federal government.
Though specifics about DOGE’s function remain unclear to many, Trump’s statement outlined its objectives and the rationale behind choosing Musk and Ramaswamy for the roles.
As advisers operating outside the government, Musk and Ramaswamy are expected to drive significant reforms aimed at streamlining federal operations.
What Will DOGE Do?
Trump’s statement provided key details on DOGE’s mission:
1. Dismantling Bureaucracy – DOGE will aim to cut through red tape and reduce government bureaucracy.
2. Reducing Regulations – The department is charged with slashing excessive regulations that stifle efficiency.
3. Cutting Wasteful Expenditures – DOGE will seek to identify and eliminate unnecessary government spending.
4. Restructuring Federal Agencies – The department will evaluate and overhaul federal agencies to improve efficiency.
5. “The Manhattan Project” of Bureaucratic Reform – Trump likened DOGE’s mission to the scale of World War II’s atomic bomb project, aiming for transformative impact on government operations.
6. External Guidance – DOGE will rely on insights from Musk and Ramaswamy, who will provide independent advice outside traditional government channels.
7. Tackling Waste and Fraud – DOGE’s initiatives will address inefficiencies in the $6.5 trillion government budget.
8. Timeline for Results – Trump stated that Musk and Ramaswamy’s work with DOGE will conclude by July 4, 2026.
“Together, these two wonderful Americans will pave the way for my Administration to dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies—essential to the ‘Save America’ Movement,” Trump said.
Potential Outcomes of DOGE’s Activities
1. Federal Job Cuts – Ramaswamy has previously indicated a desire to reduce the federal workforce by up to 75%. With his DOGE appointment, he may push for these sweeping cuts.
2. Possible Disbanding of the FBI – During his campaign, Ramaswamy advocated for dismantling the FBI, citing diminished public trust in the agency. Trump, too, has accused the FBI of targeting him unfairly, intensifying speculation around this possibility.
3. Elimination of Additional Federal Bodies – Ramaswamy has also proposed shutting down other agencies, including the Department of Education, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the IRS, arguing that many are redundant or outdated.
As DOGE sets out on its mission, the initiative is expected to be both controversial and impactful, with Musk and Ramaswamy’s leadership positioned to make dramatic changes in the structure and operation of federal government functions.
