In a surprising announcement on his platform Truth Social, former President-elect Donald Trump named Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), created to streamline government operations and reduce federal waste. This department, Trump shared, is a key part of his campaign pledge to “dismantle government bureaucracy” by removing excess regulations and cutting wasteful spending. Trump gave the new department a deadline of July 4, 2026, coinciding with the U.S. 250th Independence Day, to achieve its efficiency goals.
Donald Trump announces that Elon Musk will lead the Department of Government Efficiency alongside Vivek Ramaswamy. pic.twitter.com/A3UoqKnjFb
— Pop Base (@PopBase) November 13, 2024
DOGE, named with a nod to the meme cryptocurrency Dogecoin that Elon Musk often references, is already causing waves on social media as users comment on the pairing of Musk and Ramaswamy in such an influential role. Trump emphasized that the department would enable his administration to “slash excess regulations” and “restructure Federal Agencies,” with a leaner, more efficient government structure as the ultimate objective. Trump called this initiative a “perfect gift to America” as the country approaches its 250th birthday. He noted that Musk, who strongly supported Trump’s 2024 campaign, had pledged to help cut $2 trillion from the federal budget—a move Musk said would “send shockwaves through the system.”
Ramaswamy, who exited the Republican primaries earlier this year and endorsed Trump, has voiced support for streamlining government operations and deregulation, principles that align with Trump’s efficiency mandate. Elon Musk, who rebranded Twitter as X, transformed the social media platform into a pro-Trump outlet, rallying his influence and resources behind Trump’s campaign—a commitment that political analysts say is unprecedented in its scale for a business figure.
We will not go gently, @elonmusk. 🇺🇸 https://t.co/sbVka2vTiW
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) November 13, 2024
Public Reactions Across Social Media
The announcement has sparked lively reactions across platforms like X and Facebook, as many are taking to social media to voice their approval, concerns, and skepticism. Comments reveal a spectrum of opinions, from excitement over the potential for radical change to worries about Musk’s suitability for a government position.
One user quipped, “And there you have it, that’s why the mole man has been pushing so hard for Trump to win.” Another voiced reservations, saying, “This should not be allowed.” Some expressed disbelief over Musk’s track record, with one post reading, “LMAOOOO HE COULDN’T EVEN HANDLE A SOCIAL MEDIA APP IT’S OVER 💀💀💀” and another commenting, “Can’t even run the app correctly but about to run one of the biggest things in the government.”
And there you have it, that’s why the mole man has been pushing so hard for Trump to win, yet liberals are the ones with the agendas and conspiracy theories 😂
— paulie ⚓️ (@ratedpaulie) November 13, 2024
Other users were enthusiastic, viewing the Musk-Ramaswamy partnership as a powerful duo, with one post proclaiming, “Well, this is one power team! 🤯 Elon and Vivek shaking things up in a big way!”
Trump’s decision to appoint a prominent business magnate and a former GOP presidential contender to a federal reform initiative has raised questions about whether private-sector figures can bring significant change to the sprawling structures of the federal government. Political analysts have speculated on the challenges Musk and Ramaswamy could face within traditional government frameworks, as both have voiced support for rapid innovation in fields traditionally constrained by federal oversight.
This country is doomed and I’m so serious- pic.twitter.com/QXV3hLP4Qx
— Ike 🪐 (@Ike_Nano) November 13, 2024
While Elon Musk has extensive experience leading tech companies and has a track record of proposing bold ideas, critics argue that government operations require more nuanced handling, especially when involving regulatory reform and federal budgeting. Ramaswamy’s support of free-market principles and Musk’s ambition to cut through bureaucracy have resonated with Trump’s supporters who advocate for a leaner government, but the level of success this department will achieve remains to be seen.
With a deadline looming and high expectations from the public, the Musk-Ramaswamy DOGE initiative is already a polarizing move that will likely continue to fuel debates on both sides of the political spectrum.
“Efficiency” he cannot even make this app to function right
— jaz (@itolerateshit) November 13, 2024
he isn’t even a US citizen but he can have one of the biggest roles in the US government… pic.twitter.com/IG6XcRON1D
— imani 3.0 (@positionsmafiaa) November 13, 2024
Can’t even run the app correctly but about to run one of the biggest things in the government pic.twitter.com/r30d0zRDcF
— Nikqua💗 (@SugarWalls92) November 13, 2024