Entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is parting ways with President Donald Trump’s government efficiency commission and instead will focus on a possible run for Ohio governor.
Ramasway’s decision to leave DOGE, which he was set to run with Elon Musk, the billionaire Tesla CEO and owner of X, comes as he’s considering seeking the governor’s mansion in his home state.
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“Vivek Ramaswamy played a critical role in helping us create DOGE,” Anna Kelly, a spokeswoman for the commission, said in a statement provided to the Washington Examiner.
“He intends to run for elected office soon, which requires him to remain outside of DOGE, based on the structure that we announced today. We thank him immensely for his contributions over the last 2 months and expect him to play a vital role in making America great again!”
Ramaswamy posted a photo of himself with Musk, writing, “A new dawn.”
A new dawn.
pic.twitter.com/a3Vthjth69
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) January 20, 2025
The Department of Government Efficiency is not an official government department. Trump said the commission would provide outside advice on how to cut spending and work closely with White House budget officials.
The entrepreneur and Cincinnati native ran in the GOP presidential primary before dropping out and endorsing Trump. The change in plans comes as Ramaswamy has made waves with Trump, some of his aides, and Musk, according to reporting from the New York Times. In December, he set off an online fury from the anti-immigration wing of Trump’s base for backing H-1B visas.
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Ramaswamy’s decision comes after term-limited Gov. Mike DeWine (R-OH) announced Lt. Gov. Jon Husted would fill the Senate seat that is being vacated by Vice President J.D. Vance, passing over Ramaswamy, who was also an option for the job.
If Ramaswamy announces a gubernatorial run, he’ll likely face the state’s attorney general, Dave Yost, in a primary. Former Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton announced her intention to run as a Democrat in the race.
