Donald Trump rewards Elon Musk with leading role in government efficiency department

Donald Trump has chosen Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a new U.S. Department of Government Efficiency. This department aims to reduce waste, cut excess regulations, and reshape federal agencies. Trump says the initiative will make government work better for Americans.

Musk and Ramaswamy will lead the team with an entrepreneurial mindset. According to Trump, the department will provide advice from outside government circles. It will work closely with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget to bring big changes.

The goal is to finish their work by July 4, 2026. Trump says this will be a "gift" to the country for its 250th Independence Day celebration.

[Image: Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk speaks as Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. president Donald Trump on  October 5, 2024. (Reuters)] 

Elon Musk, the richest person in the world, is no stranger to Washington. As the founder of Tesla, SpaceX, and social media platform X, Musk has a history of working with the government. Trump says Musk’s ideas will bring innovation to federal systems.

Musk has been a strong supporter of Trump. He donated millions to his campaign and joined public events to show his support. Now, Musk has the opportunity to help reshape government operations.

Musk said this initiative will be a game-changer. He called it the "Manhattan Project" of today, referring to the historic plan that built the atomic bomb during World War II.

[Image: Vivek Ramaswamy declares that he and Elon Musk "won’t go gently" in their mission to cut government spending. (AP PHOTO)]

Vivek Ramaswamy, a former Republican presidential candidate, will work alongside Musk. Ramaswamy is the founder of a pharmaceutical company and was once a rival to Trump in the presidential race. After dropping out, he became one of Trump’s biggest supporters.

Ramaswamy expressed his excitement on X, saying, "We will not go gently, @elonmusk." Musk reposted the announcement, adding, "People have no idea how much this will move the needle!"

Interestingly, the new department's acronym, DOGE, shares its name with the cryptocurrency Dogecoin, which Musk often promotes.

New Team Members Announced

Trump has also announced other key appointments:

• Pete Hegseth: A Fox News commentator and military veteran, chosen as Secretary of Defense. Hegseth opposes what he calls "woke" policies in the Pentagon.
• John Ratcliffe: Former Director of National Intelligence, nominated to lead the CIA. Ratcliffe served during Trump’s first term and oversaw intelligence during the pandemic.
• Mike Huckabee: Former Arkansas governor, picked as ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is known for his strong support of Israel.
• Steven Witkoff: A real estate investor and close Trump ally, chosen as a special envoy to the Middle East.
• Marco Rubio: Expected to be named Secretary of State.
• Mike Waltz: Former Army Green Beret, tapped as National Security Adviser.
• Bill McGinley: Trump’s former Cabinet Secretary, will return as White House Counsel.