**Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk to Lead Effort to Downsize Government**

Vivek Ramaswamy, a wealthy entrepreneur who previously campaigned for the Republican presidential nomination, has been appointed by President-elect Donald Trump to co-lead a new initiative aimed at improving government efficiency. Partnering with Elon Musk, Ramaswamy is set to head what has been dubbed the Department of Government Efficiency.

Ramaswamy ran on a platform promising drastic cuts to the federal workforce, proposing to reduce it by 50 percent in his first year, with a long-term goal of slashing it by 75 percent. His bold plan includes eliminating substantial portions of the federal government, a move he asserts is necessary to "make America great again."

The federal civilian workforce currently comprises approximately 2.2 million employees, excluding military personnel and the U.S. Postal Service. Implementing Ramaswamy's vision could lead to as many as 1.65 million job cuts, which would have significant economic repercussions nationwide.

Despite the lofty ambitions, there are questions about the actual influence and impact of the Department of Government Efficiency. In his announcement of the initiative, President-elect Trump clarified that this department is not a formal governmental body but will serve an advisory role from outside of the government. Additionally, the department's work is set to conclude by July 4, 2026, marking the nation's 250th anniversary.

Whether the American public will embrace the proposals put forth by Ramaswamy and Musk remains to be seen. Their plan to streamline government operations comes with potential benefits and substantial challenges that could reshape the federal workforce and its role in American society.