Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who made headlines last week with his resignation from the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has since clarified that there were no personal differences or animosity between him and the tech billionaire. In an exclusive interview with Fox News, Ramaswamy denied reports that suggested a rift, instead pointing to "different and complementary approaches" to managing the agency, which was established to streamline the federal bureaucracy and reduce inefficiencies in government processes.
Ramaswamy, 39, explained that while he focused on a constitutional law and legislative-based strategy, Musk, with his strong background in technology and innovation, adopted a more digital and tech-centric approach to achieving the agency's goals. Despite these differences in methodology, Ramaswamy made it clear that he had no issues with Musk’s leadership and that they both shared the same overarching goals for DOGE, which included reducing federal spending, eliminating redundant regulations, and restructuring inefficient federal agencies. “There’s no better person having a technological and digital approach than Elon Musk to lead DOGE,” he noted, underlining the importance of incorporating modern technological solutions into government reform efforts.
The Department of Government Efficiency was originally conceived as an outside agency that would provide guidance and recommendations for reducing inefficiencies within the federal government. DOGE was meant to have a more flexible, non-bureaucratic approach to reform, offering advice without being directly involved in the legislative process. However, the friction between Ramaswamy’s legal and constitutional-based methods and Musk’s data-driven, technological vision led to his decision to step down.
Ramaswamy further explained that their parting of ways was mutual and not due to any forced action, as some reports suggested. He dismissed the notion that Musk had fired him, stating that their separation was part of a healthy dialogue and collaborative decision-making. "We had a mutual discussion. We are on the same page," Ramaswamy explained, emphasizing that reforming the country was a collective effort, not a top-down initiative led by a single person. "In saving the country, it's not a one-man show from the top down or the bottom up. It's all of the above," he said, signaling his broader, inclusive approach to political change.
Ramaswamy’s exit from DOGE, while amicable on the surface, was reportedly driven by a series of deeper conflicts, including differing visions on how to achieve government reform. According to multiple sources, Ramaswamy’s approach centered around working within the bounds of the Constitution and legislative processes to eliminate inefficiencies, while Musk’s focus on leveraging technology, including the use of data mining and digital tools, put them on divergent paths. Politico reported that Musk had been actively seeking Ramaswamy's departure from the agency, especially after Ramaswamy made public comments that were reportedly not aligned with Musk’s broader objectives.
Behind the scenes, Ramaswamy's exit also seemed to reflect broader tensions within the political landscape, including some resistance from MAGA (Make America Great Again) supporters and friction over Ramaswamy’s stance on issues such as American mediocrity and his support for immigrants on H-1B visas. These factors, combined with differing views on how to approach the bureaucracy, played a role in his decision to leave the agency.
At the same time, Ramaswamy has been pivoting toward a new political chapter, with rumors swirling around his potential candidacy for Ohio governor. In his Fox News interview, Ramaswamy hinted at his intentions to run for the office of governor, promising a formal announcement soon. As a native of Ohio, Ramaswamy expressed his vision for revitalizing the state’s economy, which he believes could play a pivotal role in the next chapter of America’s economic future. "I think the Ohio River Valley can be at the bleeding edge of the American economy for the next 20 years," he said, emphasizing the potential of the region to become a technological and industrial powerhouse, much like Silicon Valley once was.
Ramaswamy’s interest in state-level leadership reflects his broader ambition to shape the future of America, particularly in the heartland, and his desire to influence economic development and innovation in his home state. His perspective on Ohio as an economic hub indicates a shift away from his previous national ambitions, including his unsuccessful bid for the Republican presidential nomination. While he endorsed Donald Trump in the 2020 election, Ramaswamy's political trajectory now seems focused on making an impact locally rather than nationally. His pivot toward Ohio could mark a new chapter in his political career, one where he seeks to harness the potential of his home state for broader American prosperity.
Ramaswamy’s decision to leave DOGE and focus on a gubernatorial run signals a significant shift in his political career, marking a departure from the high-profile, national stage of government reform to the more localized, state-level political arena. Whether he can garner enough support for an Ohio governor's race remains to be seen, but his background in entrepreneurship, government reform, and technology-driven solutions positions him as a compelling candidate in a state with significant economic potential. His focus on Ohio’s future and its place in the American economy could resonate with voters looking for bold, innovative leadership in a time of change.
