Musk Kicks Out Ramaswamy From DOGE For Calling U.S. Workers "Mediocre"

Biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy will no longer co-lead the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Elon Musk.

Ramaswamy was forced out after claiming in a social media post last month that U.S. work culture “venerated mediocrity over excellence.” I Photo: Gage Skidmore

Katie Hawkinson of The Independent reported that Musk was the one who ultimately removed Ramaswamy.

The White House confirmed Ramaswamy’s exit as DOGE co-chair to the Associated Press (AP) just hours after President Donald Trump took office. Ramaswamy was forced out after claiming in a social media post last month that U.S. work culture “venerated mediocrity over excellence.”

The comment came during a Republican debate over the H-1B skilled worker visa program. While both Musk and Ramaswamy publicly supported the program, Politico reported that Musk froze out his co-chair following backlash to the post.

One source told Politico that Ramaswamy had not contributed to DOGE’s work since early December.

“They wanted him out before the tweet—but kicked him to the curb when that came out,” an unnamed source familiar with DOGE’s internal dynamics said. According to a Republican strategist, Ramaswamy had “burned through bridges” and ultimately alienated Musk, leading to his departure.

CBS News reported as well that Ramaswamy's removal followed friction with incoming agency staff. Musk’s inner circle reportedly grew frustrated with Ramaswamy's lack of involvement, accusing him of shirking responsibilities since December 2024.