Big Name Already OUT of Trump Administration Day One

Just hours after President Donald Trump took office on Monday, reports emerged that businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, who had been selected as the incoming co-chair of the newly restructured Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), would not be assuming the position.

Confirmation followed soon after, with a source close to Ramaswamy informing Fox News that the multimillionaire biotech entrepreneur had officially parted ways with DOGE.

Initially appointed in November alongside billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk by Trump to head DOGE, Ramaswamy is now anticipated to announce a Republican gubernatorial campaign for Ohio early next week, according to the source.

“Vivek Ramaswamy played a key role in the formation of DOGE,” Trump-Vance transition spokesperson Anna Kelly stated in a comment to Fox News. “His plans to pursue elected office necessitate his departure from DOGE, as per the structure announced today. We greatly appreciate his efforts over the past two months and anticipate his continued contributions to making America great again.”

Shortly after, Ramaswamy took to social media to address the news.

“It was an honor to contribute to DOGE’s creation. I am confident that Elon & the team will succeed in streamlining government. I’ll share more about my future in Ohio soon. Most importantly, we are committed to helping President Trump make America great again!” he wrote.

Ohio’s GOP Governor Mike DeWine, who is ineligible for re-election in 2026 due to term limits, recently announced that Lt. Gov. Jon Husted would take over the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by now-Vice President J.D. Vance. Vance stepped down earlier this month in preparation for Monday’s inauguration.

Before his Senate appointment, Husted had been preparing to enter the 2026 gubernatorial race to replace DeWine. Meanwhile, Ramaswamy had previously shown interest in a Senate role.

Fox News reported that DeWine's appointment of Husted to the Senate seat may have influenced Ramaswamy's decision to pursue the governor's office.

Ramaswamy, 39, launched a presidential bid in February 2023 and quickly transformed from a long-shot candidate to a notable contender for the Republican nomination.

Campaigning under the banner of “America First 2.0,” Ramaswamy became one of Donald Trump’s staunchest advocates among his competitors, describing Trump as the “most successful president of our century.”

Following a fourth-place finish in the Iowa caucuses, Ramaswamy withdrew from the race a year ago and endorsed Trump, becoming an influential figure on the campaign trail.

His departure from DOGE now leaves Musk, Trump’s key donor and ally, in a prime position to lead the department without competition.

“The decision also follows recent controversy sparked by Ramaswamy and Musk within Trump’s MAGA base regarding their endorsement of H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers,” Fox News observed.

“Ramaswamy’s remarks criticizing an American culture that he claimed ‘venerated mediocrity over excellence’ faced significant backlash from prominent right-wing voices and some within Trump’s political sphere,” the report added.

A native of Ohio, Ramaswamy stands a strong chance in the state, which has transitioned from a battleground state to a Republican stronghold in recent years, firmly backing Trump.

As a prominent Trump supporter and former administration official, even for a short period, Ramaswamy could quickly position himself as a leading contender for Ohio's governorship.

His endorsement of the new vice president and former Ohio senator may further bolster his prospects.