Recently, US President-elect Donald Trump announced the creation of the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) — an initiative aimed at cutting government waste and improving the efficiency of the bureaucracy. According to the recent announcement, Trump appointed tech mogul Elon Musk and Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to head DOGE. As a result, the once-popular internet meme “DOGE” and the meme cryptocurrency Dogecoin have suddenly received widespread support from two of the most powerful citizens of the United States — Trump and Musk.
How did the concept of DOGE come about?
The concept originated with tech mogul Elon Musk, who proposed creating a centralized department named after a meme as a “solution” to the United States' complex bureaucracy.
After his landslide victory over Kamala Harris in the US presidential election, Trump quickly adopted the idea, appointing Musk and Indian-American businessman Vivek Ramaswamy to head the department.
What is even more surprising is that the announcement regarding the creation of DOGE was made by Elon Musk on his official X account and not by Trump or any Republican leader.
What is the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)?
The Department of Government Efficiency is a new entity within the U.S. government with an ambitious mission: to eliminate excessive bureaucracy, cut unnecessary regulations, and streamline government operations.
Trump envisions DOGE as a modern-day “Manhattan Project,” stressing that reducing waste and inefficiency in the federal government’s $6.5 trillion budget could be transformative.
DOGE's mission is scheduled to end on July 4, 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States' Independence Day — a day Trump believes will highlight a more efficient and streamlined government as a patriotic milestone.
Why were Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy chosen for DOGE?
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy were singled out as the visionaries behind DOGE, with Trump calling them "two great Americans" dedicated to the "Save America" movement.
Musk, a Trump supporter and major campaign donor, has advocated reducing government waste. Ramaswamy, a former Republican presidential candidate, brings his business experience to the cause.
While their roles are advisory and do not require Senate approval, both Musk and Ramaswamy will work with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget to implement meaningful reforms.
What will DOGE do?
DOGE's main goal is to cut red tape and eliminate wasteful spending. Musk claims that DOGE's efforts will send "shockwaves through the system," targeting those responsible for government waste.
In the name of transparency, he proposed a public ranking to highlight the "stupidest" uses of tax dollars, while injecting accountability and humor into their initiative.
What is Dogecoin and what is its connection to DOGE?
Dogecoin, originally a joke cryptocurrency inspired by the popular Shiba Inu meme, has become closely associated with Musk. He has promoted it on numerous occasions, bringing it to public attention and significant market value.
Since the acronym DOGE is reminiscent of Dogecoin, Musk's appointment reignited interest in the cryptocurrency, leading to a significant price increase following the announcement.
Musk's vision for transparency and change
Musk stressed that every action by the DOGE division will be subject to public scrutiny, encouraging feedback if the public feels the program is not "cutting waste" or missing an important issue.
He believes that a more efficient and transparent government will play a long-term role in improving America, promising that DOGE's reforms will be "both incredibly tragic and incredibly exciting."