(NewsNation) — The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is taking some initial steps, including building out its internal staff, a source familiar with the planning shared with NewsNation.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who President-elect Donald Trump chose to lead the department, have a good working relationship, the source added.
Vivek Ramaswamy speaking during the second day of the Republican National Convention on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Musk and Ramaswamy will likely have staff inside the executive offices of the president, according to the source, similar to how Trump’s former senior adviser Jared Kushner had the Office of American Innovation.
Ramaswamy is expected to announce more details, including what the Department known as DOGE’s day one priority will be, “soon,” the source said. While Musk has been involved with DOGE, the source said, he’s also busy with many aspects of Trump’s transition back to the White House.
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DOGE, Trump said when he first announced the initiative, is meant to “slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures” and restructure federal agencies. Trump said DOGE will “provide advice and guidance from outside of government.” It is set to partner with the White House Office of Budget and Management.
Work done by DOGE is supposed to “conclude” no later than July 4, 2026, Trump said.
NewsNation’s Safia Samee Ali contributed to this report.
