Musk to lead 'DOGE' in Trump's administration: What is it?
What's the story
President-elect Donald Trump has announced that tech mogul Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy will head a new "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) in his upcoming administration. The department's main goal will be to streamline government bureaucracy, eliminate unnecessary regulations and spending, and restructure federal agencies. Trump called both men "two wonderful Americans," who will lead his administration in making these changes.
Advisory roles
Musk, Ramaswamy to advise from outside government
Trump clarified that Musk and Ramaswamy won't hold formal government positions but will instead "provide advice and guidance from outside of Government." They are expected to work with the White House and Office of Management & Budget (OMB) to drive large-scale structural reform. The aim is to foster an entrepreneurial approach within the government, a strategy that has not been previously adopted.
Operational concerns
Department's operation and potential conflicts of interest
However, the operational details of the new department remain unclear. Musk's involvement, who heads companies with existing government contracts, has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest. These concerns stem from his business ties and their possible influence on government decisions.
Commission goals
Government Efficiency Commission: A tool to curb spending
The idea of a government efficiency commission was first floated by Trump in September as part of his new economic plans. He saw this commission as a means to rein in government spending and root out fraud. "As the first order of business, this commission will develop an action plan to totally eliminate fraud and improper payments within six months," Trump had said during his campaign.
Waste reduction
Ramaswamy's commitment to reducing government waste
Ramaswamy, a former Republican presidential primary contender who later endorsed Trump, has been outspoken about his pledge to cut government waste. Last year, he published a white paper outlining a legal framework that would enable the president to abolish federal agencies of his choosing. This fits Trump's vision for the new department and its objective of cutting through red tape.
Regulation rollback
Musk's proposal for government regulation rollback
While supporting Trump on the campaign trail, Musk proposed a massive rollback of government regulations. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO also suggested an evaluation system that would identify and lay off wasteful employees, while giving them generous severance packages. This proposal fits perfectly with the goals of the new department, which is aimed at making the government more efficient.