Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy announced plans on Wednesday to spearhead a new government efficiency initiative aimed at identifying thousands of regulations for elimination under President-elect Trump’s administration. They argue this effort will pave the way for reductions in federal workforce numbers.
In an op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal, Musk and Ramaswamy, co-chairs of the recently formed “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), outlined their vision. They emphasized prioritizing reforms in regulatory rollbacks, administrative streamlining, and cost-cutting measures, focusing on utilizing executive actions under existing laws rather than pushing for new legislation.
DOGE initiative led by Musk and Ramaswamy targets federal agencies and regulations for drastic cuts
The duo highlighted recent Supreme Court rulings that curbed the power of federal agencies, suggesting many existing regulations exceed legal boundaries. They proposed that cutting back these regulations would justify substantial workforce reductions within federal agencies, arguing that fewer regulations naturally require fewer personnel to enforce and maintain them.
Addressing potential resistance based on civil service protections, they asserted that such measures are intended to prevent political retaliation, not to shield agencies from legitimate restructuring.
They pointed out that statutes allow for workforce reductions unrelated to individual targeting and grant the president broad authority to govern competitive service rules, which could be used to implement large-scale layoffs or relocate agencies away from Washington, D.C.
Reports suggest federal employees are preparing for possible cuts by consulting legal counsel, launching public campaigns, and lobbying Congress for support. Meanwhile, DOGE plans to scrutinize unauthorized federal funding, potentially impacting programs like veterans’ healthcare, opioid addiction treatment, and NASA initiatives, according to The Washington Post.
The op-ed also sought to address skepticism regarding the panel’s capacity to enact change, as its advisory status could limit its influence and face pushback from Congress and executive branch officials. Musk’s close ties with Trump could bolster the panel’s efforts, however.
A major contributor to Trump’s campaign and an active participant in his transition, Musk has been present at key meetings, including those at Mar-a-Lago and recent SpaceX events attended by the president-elect. His role in advising on Cabinet appointments and hosting Trump at a SpaceX rocket launch has further solidified his position as an influential figure in shaping the incoming administration’s policies.
