Vivek Ramaswamy, the biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, has officially withdrawn from his role at President Donald Trump's newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). His departure was confirmed shortly after Trump took office, paving the way for Elon Musk to lead the initiative alone. Ramaswamy indicated that he plans to announce his candidacy for the Ohio governor next week, suggesting a strategic shift towards a more direct political role.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Ramaswamy expressed gratitude for the opportunity to help establish DOGE, stating, “It was my honor to help support the creation of DOGE. I'm confident that Elon & team will succeed in streamlining government.” His comments reflect a confident stance as he prepares to transition into the Ohio political scene.

Ramaswamy’s exit leaves Musk in sole command of DOGE, which aims to recommend ways to reduce federal spending. However, Musk's leadership may raise ethical concerns given his business ties, as both SpaceX and Tesla benefit from significant federal contracts. Anna Kelly, a spokesperson for DOGE, highlighted Ramaswamy's critical contributions, noting, “He intends to run for elected office soon, which requires him to remain outside of DOGE.”

The initiative's future is uncertain, having already faced legal challenges questioning its transparency and organizational structure. Ramaswamy's long anticipated political move follows a period of speculation regarding his ambitions to replace Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who will be term-limited by 2027. His bid comes amid other Republican contenders for the governorship, including Dave Yost and Robert Sprague.

The unexpected announcement marks a possible new chapter for Ramaswamy, as his previous political ambitions within the Trump administration took shape during his involvement with DOGE. As he gears up for his gubernatorial run, Ramaswamy aims to rally support, building upon Trump's backing to elevate his candidacy in Ohio's political landscape.

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