Vivek Ramaswamy rejected claims that Tesla CEO Elon Musk kicked him out of the Department of Government Efficiency.
In an appearance on Fox News, Ramaswamy dismissed reports that there was any bad blood between them, saying that the two had different visions.
“What I would say is we had different, complementary approaches,” he said. “I focused more on a constitutional law, legislative-based approach. He focused more on a technology approach, which is the future approach. No better person to lead that technology, digital approach, than Elon Musk.”
“But when you’re talking about a constitutional revival, it’s not just done through the federal government. It’s done through federalism, where states also lead the way,” Ramaswamy added.
He said that he would have more to say soon but straightforwardly denied that Musk had “fired” him.
“No, we had a mutual discussion, and … I wish him well, and we’re on the same page,” Ramaswamy said. “Divide and conquer in saving the country. It’s not a one-man show from the top down or the bottom up; it’s all of the above. That’s what I’m in for.”
CBS News reported that people close to Musk, now the sole chairman at DOGE, flouted Ramaswamy’s previous co-leadership due to frustration that he wasn’t keeping up with his share of the work at the organization. Sources familiar with the matter told the outlet that there was also tension between Ramaswamy and the rank and file.
One person close to Trump said, “Vivek has worn out his welcome.”
Part of the frustration with Ramaswamy was allegedly a post he made on X during a Christmas debate about H1B visas, during which he criticized U.S. culture.
Nevertheless, those in DOGE and the Trump camp were publicly positive about Ramaswamy’s next move.
“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.
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“He intends to run for elected office soon, which requires him to remain outside of DOGE, based on the structure that we announced today,” she added. “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 is expected to enter the 2026 Ohio gubernatorial race soon.
