Presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy has outlined a plan to significantly restructure the federal government by eliminating several agencies if he wins the 2024 election. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Ramaswamy listed the Department of Education, FBI, ATF, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, IRS, Department of Commerce, and the CDC as agencies he believes should be abolished.
Ramaswamy aims to "shut down the administrative state" within the executive branch, believing this will stimulate economic growth. He argues that excessive regulation stifles businesses and that reducing the federal workforce will lead to a resurgence in GDP growth, potentially exceeding four percent. He referred to this as restoring a "three-branch constitutional republic."
Speaking at the FreedomFest conference in Memphis, Tennessee, Ramaswamy declared his intention to reduce the federal employee headcount by over 75% by the end of a potential second term in 2033, calling the current bureaucracy an "unconstitutional fourth branch of government." He specifically targeted the FBI, claiming it was "made to be corrupt" since its inception under J. Edgar Hoover, and suggested the US Marshals and DOJ were sufficient for federal law enforcement.
Ramaswamy argued that agencies like the FBI and DEA create redundancy and waste, leading to inefficiency and corruption. He also pledged to increase transparency by issuing an executive order to disclose instances where government bodies pressured private companies, such as social media platforms and banks, to act in ways the government couldn't directly.
While addressing the topic of abortion, Ramaswamy reiterated his pro-life stance but emphasized the issue should be handled at the state level. He did, however, commit to defunding Planned Parenthood. On the question of Donald Trump's electability, Ramaswamy initially stated that most Republican candidates could defeat President Biden but later affirmed that this included Trump. He maintained, however, that he is the only candidate capable of a "landslide" victory, avoiding another close election.
Ramaswamy's campaign has launched an innovative fundraising program, "Vivek's Kitchen Cabinet," which allows supporters to earn a commission on the funds they raise. The campaign describes this as a way to "democratize political fundraising." Ramaswamy has already surpassed the RNC's donor threshold for the first GOP primary debate, boasting over 60,000 unique donors.
