Elon Musk's D.O.G.E Initiative Launches with Dogecoin Logo, Sparking Rally

On Tuesday, the newly minted Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E) launched its official website featuring the Dogecoin logo shortly after the announcement of lawsuits and the resignation of a key leader from the agency.

Dogecoin surged more than 11% following the launch of the entity’s website, reaching $0.39 before retreating to $0.37, according to CoinGecko. The taskforce, led by billionaire Elon Musk, aims to modernize “federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity,” according to President Donald Trump’s executive order.

Despite just launching, the agency is already facing backlash, including multiple lawsuits from watchdog groups alleging violations of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). Adding to the turbulence, Vivek Ramaswamy, one of the co-leaders who helped shape the initiative, announced his resignation on Monday, citing plans to run for Governor of Ohio.

While D.O.G.E promises to revolutionize government efficiency through technology, the sudden lawsuits and high-profile resignation have cast a shadow over its launch, fueling debates about its viability and adherence to legal standards.

Legal Challenges

Minutes after Trump signed D.O.G.E into effect on Monday, public interest law firm National Security Counselors filed a lawsuit against the entity. According to a 30-page complaint obtained by The Washington Post, the law firm alleges that D.O.G.E violates FACA, a 1972 law mandating that executive branch advisory committees comply with strict rules on transparency, hiring practices, and public disclosures.

The lawsuit argues that D.O.G.E qualifies as a “federal advisory committee” and, as such, must maintain “fairly balanced” representation, keep detailed meeting minutes, allow public attendance, file a charter with Congress, and more — none of which D.O.G.E appears to have fulfilled, according to the lawsuit.

“D.O.G.E is not exempted from FACA’s requirements,” the lawsuit reads. “All meetings of D.O.G.E, including those conducted through an electronic medium, must be open to the public.”

Leadership Turmoil

On Monday, Vivek Ramaswamy stepped down from his role in D.O.G.E, leaving Elon Musk as the sole leader of the initiative. Ramaswamy's departure comes amid reports of internal disagreements with Musk, particularly concerning the tech industry's employment of foreign-born workers, according to Politico.

“Vivek Ramaswamy played a critical role in helping us create D.O.G.E,” Anna Kelly, a spokesperson for the initiative, said in a statement. “He intends to run for elected office soon, which requires him to remain outside of D.O.G.E.”

“It was my honor to help support the creation of Doge. I’m confident that Elon & team will succeed in streamlining government. I’ll have more to say very soon about my future plans in Ohio. Most importantly, we’re all-in to help President Trump make America great again!” Ramaswamy said in a post on X.