Vivek ditched DOGE over ‘deep philosophical rift’ about how it should operate, report says
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Ramaswamy reportedly believed DOGE would use current laws and court precedent to fulfill DOGE’s goals while Musk focused on the technology aspect. Vivek Ramaswamy, the biotech entrepreneur turned failed presidential candidate, reportedly backed away from co-chairing the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency due to “deep philosophical differences” over how the advisory board should function.
![[Musk and Ramaswamy met with lawmakers on the Hill last month to discuss DOGE’s plans]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/22/15/GettyImages-2188411433.jpg)
On Monday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing DOGE. Much of its layout mirrored policies that fell in line with Musk. Hours later, the White House confirmed Ramaswamy would depart as a co-chair. Speculation about Ramaswamy’s position leading DOGE has been circulating for days. Though Musk and Ramaswamy appear to have a good relationship publicly, those familiar with the matter told CBS News there had been tension behind closed doors.
According to the Post, Musk believed DOGE should operate as a small team within the government that can access highly sensitive information. With that information, Musk could draw on his business experience and use AI to achieve the cuts. With the two different approaches, it led to a break, sources told the Post.
“These were competing visions,” the person said. Musk used his Tesla and SpaceX empires to find people to work for DOGE, the Post reported. He also used SpaceX’s Washington, D.C., headquarters for a DOGE command center. Ramaswamy, instead, had a small team of staff who worked from his home state in Ohio, without a set schedule. They looked for constitutional measures where costs could be trimmed.
