In a significant new step for his administration, US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed tech billionaire Elon Musk and conservative activist Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency. This department will be responsible for cutting down on bureaucracy, simplifying government processes, and reducing unnecessary regulations.

Trump emphasized that the department’s mission is to help “Save America” by streamlining federal agencies and reducing wasteful spending. In his announcement, Trump called this initiative potentially “The Manhattan Project” of today, comparing it to the ambitious effort that developed the atomic bomb during World War II.

Known as the Department of Government Efficiency, or “DOGE,” this new team will work closely with the White House and the Office of Management & Budget to reshape the federal government. The goal is to introduce an innovative, entrepreneurial approach to government that’s focused on reducing costs and improving efficiency. Trump’s administration expects Musk and Ramaswamy to complete their work by July 4, 2026, which will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

After the announcement, Musk responded on social media, promising that the department’s actions would be transparent, with updates posted online. Musk encouraged the public to provide feedback if they feel any essential services are being affected or if wasteful programs aren’t being properly addressed. He also mentioned creating a “leaderboard” that highlights the most wasteful uses of tax dollars, calling it both “tragic and entertaining.”

In a follow-up post, Musk warned about the urgency of this effort, saying, “Either we make government efficient, or America risks going bankrupt. It’s a tough reality, but it’s true.”