What is the DOGE? About the new Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy

DOGE is the acronym for the newly announced initiative by President-elect Donald Trump.

Co-headed by tech mogul Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, here we take a look at exactly what theDepartment of Government Efficiencyis supposed to do.

DOGE aims to streamline government operations, reduce wasteful spending and improve overall efficiency within the federal government.

The name is a playful reference the famousJapanese dog Kabosufrom the meme behind Dogecoin a cryptocurrency favored by Musk, reflecting his unconventional approach to governance and reform.

In 2010, pictures of the beloved Shiba Inu went viral online and have been repeatedly shared over the years as a meme called “Doge”.

The meme inspired the creation of Dogecoin in 2013 a photo of Kabosu was used as the logo for the cryptocurrency.

While it initially started as a joke, its success inspired a cohort of dog-themed cryptocurrencies.

In April 2023,Muskbrieflychanged the logoofXto an image of Kabosu, causing the price of the currency to skyrocket.

And following Trump naming Musk as “secretary of cost-cutting”,Dogecoin stock soared once again,with a whopping 800% increase in value.

Donald Trumpreleased a statement on November 12, 2024, saying he will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies”.

World’s richest man Musk will work as co-chairof the new department alongside prominent RepublicanVivek Ramaswamy.

In response, the X CEO said: “This will send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in Government waste, which is a lot of people!”

Musk has reportedly spent “nearly every day” at Mar-a-Lago sinceTrump’s election victory on November 5.

On November 12,Trump’s 17-year-old granddaughter Kaieven shared a snap with Musk and his child, named X, on a golf course saying “Elon achieving uncle status”.

Objectives and structure

DOGE is envisioned as an advisory commission rather than a formal government department.

Its primary objectives include dismantling bureaucratic inefficiencies, slashing unnecessary regulations and proposing significant cuts to federal expenditures.

Trumphas set a deadline for the completion of DOGE’s recommendations by July 4, 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

This timeline underscores the initiative’s ambitious goals to deliver substantial changes in government operations as a symbolic gift to the nation on this historic anniversary.

Muskand Ramaswamy have expressed intentions to recommend the closure of entire federal agencies, which could involve substantial layoffs and reorganization of existing structures.

Ramaswamy has indicated that they expect “mass reductions” in government personnel and contracts, particularly targeting areas deemed “bloated” or inefficient.

However, the actual implementation of these proposals will require congressional approval, raising questions about the feasibility of such sweeping changes given the complexities of federal legislation.

Leadership dynamics

Ramaswamy andMuskbring unique backgrounds to their leadership roles in DOGE.

Musk is known for his roles as CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, companies that have extensive dealings with the federal government.

His involvement raises potential conflict-of-interest concerns, particularly regarding how DOGE’s recommendations could impact his business interests.

Ramaswamy, who previously ran for president and has been vocal about reducing government size, aligns with Musk’s vision for a more efficient federal structure.

Both leaders have called for a significant overhaul of government spending practices.

Muskeven called for “at least $2 trillion” in cuts nearly a third of the government’s total annual spending from the federal budget while speaking at a rally inNew Yorkin October 2024

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