Dismissing claims of discord with co-leader Elon Musk as reason for his exit from Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Vivek Ramaswamy insists his decision to step down was tied to his forthcoming entry into electoral politics.
Indian American biotech entrepreneur confirmed his political aspirations in an interview with Fox News, stating, “I’m pursuing elected office very shortly. We will have an announcement soon.” While he did not elaborate, media reports have speculated he may be gearing up for a gubernatorial bid in Ohio, with elections set for 2026.
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Ramaswamy, a native of Ohio, said, “We look at the country over the last 20 years, Silicon Valley was at the bleeding edge of the American economy. I think the Ohio River Valley can be at the bleeding edge of the American economy for the next 20 years,” he said.
He praised the Trump administration for its bold actions, including the recent repeal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) mandates, calling it the “end of an era of racial victimhood narratives.” Ramaswamy described his vision as grounded in constitutional law and federalism, with states leading a cultural and policy revival.
Ramaswamy also pushed back on reports suggesting friction with Musk led to his exit. “That’s incorrect,” he said, clarifying their working relationship was complementary rather than conflicting. “I focused more on a constitutional law legislative approach. He focused more on a technology approach… no better person to lead that technology digital approach than Elon Musk.”
He emphasized their shared mission to reform government bureaucracy, calling it a collaborative effort. “We’re on the same page—divide and conquer in saving the country. It’s not a one-man show,” he remarked.
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Ramaswamy’s departure comes amid controversy over his critique of American cultural attitudes. In a series of posts on X, he argued the US celebrates mediocrity over excellence, which he believes stifles domestic talent and necessitates reliance on high-skilled immigrants.
His stance sparked debate within the MAGA movement, with some viewing his remarks as unpatriotic, while others supported his call for a cultural reset. He dismissed allegations made by news website National File, which claimed he linked his exit to controversial tweets about “lazy Americans.” In response, Ramaswamy tweeted: “Lies. Never spoke to these clowns.”