Vivek Ramaswamy announced Monday night that he is stepping down from his role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), passing the reins to Elon Musk.

The 39-year-old entrepreneur and 2024 GOP primary contender shared the news during an appearance on Fox News’ Jesse Watters Primetime.

Ramaswamy’s departure comes as speculation grows about his next political move, with many expecting him to announce a run for governor of Ohio.

When asked by Watters about his future, Ramaswamy confirmed he is preparing for an elected office campaign.

“Well, the reality is, I’m pursuing an elected office very shortly. We will have an announcement soon,” Ramaswamy said.

Watters also questioned Ramaswamy about rumors of tension between him and Elon Musk, which allegedly led to his departure from DOGE.

Ramaswamy denied any animosity, explaining that their approaches differed but complemented each other.

“I think that’s incorrect,” he said of the rumors.

“We had different and complementary approaches.”

He elaborated that his focus was on a “constitutional law, legislative-based approach,” while Musk prioritized a “technology approach, which is the future approach.”

Ramaswamy added, “No better person to lead that technology, digital approach than Elon Musk.”

When asked directly whether Musk had fired him, Ramaswamy clarified, “No, we had a mutual discussion, and I think I wish him well.”

BREAKING: Vivek Ramaswamy clarifies why he left DOGE. He says he was more on the constitutional law side and Elon was more on the technology side and that’s what’s needed right now. He says there’s no bad blood between them and it was a mutual decision. pic.twitter.com/L1lpcJgXLf

— Autism Capital (@AutismCapital) January 28, 2025

Ramaswamy hinted at his next steps, teasing a gubernatorial campaign in Ohio.

“It’s not just done through the federal government; it’s done through federalism, where states also lead the way,” he said, referring to his vision for restoring constitutional principles.

Ramaswamy underscored his belief in Ohio’s potential as an economic leader, stating, “We look at the country over the last 20 years, Silicon Valley was at the bleeding edge of the American economy. I think the Ohio River Valley can be at the bleeding edge for the next 20 years.”

He noted that Ohio could attract people leaving states like New York and California.

“I think places like Ohio should be where they’re headed in the next couple of decades,” he said.

For the last 20 years, Silicon Valley was at the bleeding edge of the American economy. For the next 20 years, there’s no reason it can’t be the Ohio River Valley. pic.twitter.com/E4rXH6hutF

— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) January 28, 2025

If Ramaswamy enters the race, he will join Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost in the Republican primary to replace term-limited Governor Mike DeWine.

While Ramaswamy prepares for his political future, DOGE is continuing its work under Musk’s leadership.

The department has already begun implementing cost-cutting measures, including removing the Chief Diversity Officers Executive Council website from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

This aligns with President Trump’s pledge to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies.

“I will end all of the Marxist diversity, equity, and inclusion policies across the entire federal government immediately,” Trump said in December.

Musk is now carrying out that directive.

The website, which once described its role as “the principal interagency forum to implement and sustain a national strategy for DEIA across Federal government,” has been wiped from the platform.

This move signals that the council and its initiatives may be completely dismantled.

Additionally, DOGE is exploring other ways to reduce federal spending.

One proposal under consideration is halting the production of pennies, which currently cost over three cents each to manufacture.

Doge targets the penny pic.twitter.com/GI8ryS6NXR

— inevitable360 (@inevitable360) January 24, 2025

DOGE, tasked with reducing government expenditure and improving efficiency, is reportedly aiming to save $1 trillion—a figure adjusted from Musk’s earlier promise of $2 trillion.

As Ramaswamy departs DOGE and turns his attention to Ohio politics, Musk’s leadership at the department marks a continuation of efforts to streamline federal operations.

The coming months will reveal whether DOGE achieves its ambitious goals and whether Ramaswamy’s political gamble pays off in the Buckeye State.

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