‘Overwhelming support’: Republican governors rally around Trump and DOGE ahead of inauguration

The nation’s Republican governors are voicing their overwhelming support for President-elect Trump’s planned Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE. In an exclusive letter to Congressional leaders, the governors emphasized the importance of balancing the federal budget and streamlining government operations.

“As chief executives for our states, we understand the importance of removing unnecessary bureaucracy and implementing efficient, result-driven solutions in government,” the governors stated in the letter. “We stand by President Trump as he works to do the same at the federal level.”

Following his election victory, Trump appointed Elon Musk, the world’s richest person, and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to lead DOGE. The House of Representatives has established an oversight subcommittee, and the Senate has formed a DOGE caucus to collaborate with Musk and Ramaswamy on cutting government spending and increasing efficiency.

The governors highlighted the success of their states in living within their means, balancing budgets, lowering taxes, and improving the efficiency of state governments. They expressed their readiness to assist in bringing similar reforms to the federal government.

Led by Gov. Henry McMaster of South Carolina, the Republican Governors Association policy chair, the letter was also signed by RGA chair Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia and 24 other GOP governors. The governors reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Trump’s appointment of Musk and Ramaswamy, agreeing that the federal government needs to be downsized.

The letter was sent following a meeting between many of the GOP governors and Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. The only governor who did not sign the letter was Gov. Phil Scott of Vermont, known for his tendency to abstain from signing RGA letters.

Overall, the Republican governors are united in their support for DOGE and their belief in the necessity of government efficiency and fiscal responsibility. With Musk and Ramaswamy at the helm, they are optimistic about the potential for positive change in the federal government.