November 12, 2024
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 (Reuters) – President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy will co-lead the new Department of Government Efficiency. The department aims to streamline federal agencies, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and implement cost-cutting measures across the government.
In a statement released by Trump’s transition team, the President-elect emphasized the need for drastic reforms to federal operations. “Elon and Vivek will pave the way for my administration to dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies,” Trump stated. He highlighted the pair’s combined experience in innovation, technology, and business as critical assets for achieving the ambitious overhaul of government processes.
Elon Musk, known for his pioneering work with electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy, brings a track record of disruption to traditional industries. Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur and author known for his conservative views on “woke” corporate culture and government reform, previously ran as a Republican presidential candidate and has been a vocal advocate for reducing federal government size and scope.
Analysts believe the creation of a Department of Government Efficiency reflects Trump’s commitment to a leaner federal structure, a promise made throughout his campaign. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the potential for reducing oversight and regulatory functions, arguing that such moves could compromise important protections and regulatory frameworks.
Supporters of the decision argue that Musk and Ramaswamy’s leadership could bring fresh perspectives to Washington, fostering a business-oriented approach to public service. Their leadership will likely target a range of departments and agencies with initiatives that could influence everything from resource allocation to regulatory policies.
Both Musk and Ramaswamy have not publicly commented on their new roles, though Trump’s statement expressed his confidence in their commitment to his administration’s objectives for a more efficient and streamlined federal government.
