President-elect Donald Trump has named Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to head the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Though unofficial, DOGE is intended to reshape the government from the outside, aiming to reduce waste, curb excessive regulations, and restructure federal agencies to prioritize efficiency.
DOGE, an acronym nodding to Musk’s favourite cryptocurrency, Dogecoin, will operate outside traditional governmental structures, acting as an advisory body rather than an official agency. According to Trump, DOGE will partner with the White House and the Office of Management & Budget to perform audits and provide recommendations for drastic budgetary reforms, tackling inefficiencies across the $6.5 trillion US federal budget.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2024
Musk and Ramaswamy are expected to evaluate federal agencies for redundant functions, proposing the elimination or merging of departments to minimize overlapping responsibilities. Musk, no stranger to revamping organizations under budget constraints, stated that DOGE’s work would be transparently documented online, ensuring the public remains informed. He also hinted at interactive platforms where citizens could voice their opinions on specific budgetary choices.
Trump’s choice of Musk and Ramaswamy reflects a shift from conventional political appointments to leaders with significant business backgrounds. Musk, leading companies such as Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company, Neuralink, xAI, and X (formerly Twitter), has suggested he could cut up to $2 trillion, a third of the federal budget, though he has yet to provide detailed plans.
Though ambitious, DOGE will face challenges. As an advisory body, DOGE’s recommendations lack immediate legislative power. Major restructuring requires Congressional approval, and some critics argue the federal government’s complexities might resist simple “slash-and-burn” tactics. The DOGE is also set to conclude by July 4, 2026.
Despite these concerns, Trump’s administration has high hopes for DOGE, comparing it to the initiative to the Manhattan Project, suggesting it could fundamentally reshape federal spending and operational efficiencies.
