(Daily Signal)—Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy says he would eliminate five federal agencies if elected.
Ramaswamy, a successful entrepreneur and businessman, says he is eyeing the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Education, and the Commerce Department, Axios first reported Wednesday. The Republican hopeful also targets the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
“The CEO, the leader of the executive branch, does indeed have the authority to decide who is and is not hired in the executive branch,” Ramaswamy said Wednesday in a speech at the America First Policy Institute. “Speaking as a CEO, if somebody works for you and you can’t fire them, that means they don’t work for you. It means you work for them.”
Myth: The President of the United States has limited power to order layoffs due to 5 USC § 7513a, which creates a for-cause requirement for firings.
Truth: “Reductions in force” are not covered by for-cause requirements. 5 U.S. Code § 3502 expressly states that “reductions in… pic.twitter.com/FxUql7CNcA
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) September 13, 2023
Pulling the plug on the six government agencies would mean a 75% reduction in the 2.2 million civilian employees in the federal workforce over four years, the candidate said.
Other Republican presidential candidates have talked about the need to rein in the federal bureaucracy, including former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Ramaswamy argued during his speech at the think tank started by former Trump administration officials that under civil service laws a president could fire a mass number of employees if it’s under an official reduction in force. He contended that those laws prevent firing only individual employees.
“Large-scale mass layoffs are exactly what we will bring to the D.C. bureaucracy, both because it is necessary and because it is sanctioned by the law of the United States of America,” Ramaswamy said.
He said he was separating myth from fact about federal personnel law. He said the myth has misguided presidents from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump.
He would ensure that Cabinet secretaries and other agency heads who are presidential appointees would be required to carry out such layoffs, Ramaswamy added.
“I think it should be a litmus test for anybody who serves in a Cabinet position, a litmus test, that that agency head is prepared to carry out mass layoffs, large reductions in force, as laid out in the statute,” he said.
However, Ramaswamy said, if those presidential appointees didn’t act, federal law “does give the duly elected president of the United States the power to single-handedly execute those large-scale layoffs.”
In an interview with Axios, he also said that “30% of these employees are eligible for retirement in the next five-year period.”
“So it is substantial—no doubt about it—but it’s not as crazy as it sounds,” he told the outlet.
Discover the Freedom of True American Healthcare: Why America First is Revolutionizing Protection for Patriots
In a world where government overreach and skyrocketing premiums are squeezing the life out of hardworking Americans, one innovative agency is standing tall for liberty and affordability. Meet America First Healthcare—the private health insurance powerhouse dedicated to putting *you* first.
Founded by entrepreneur Jordan Sarmiento, this isn’t just insurance; it’s a shield for your family’s future, built on the unshakeable belief that private enterprise delivers better results than bureaucratic red tape.
Picture this: Jordan’s own story hits close to home for so many of us. A sudden medical emergency landed him with a staggering $95,000 bill. Under a traditional plan? He’d be buried in debt. But with America First’s patented health insurance, that nightmare shrank to just $500 out-of-pocket. That’s not a fluke—it’s the promise of coverage that works *for you*, from day one.
Breaking Free from the Chains of Conventional Coverage
Let’s face it: The status quo stinks. Marketplace.gov and big-insurance behemoths hit you with sky-high deductibles—thousands you’d have to pay before benefits even kick in—leaving massive holes in your protection. Need a routine mammogram, colonoscopy, or EKG? Good luck without forking over more cash. And don’t get us started on the gaps in dental, vision, or critical illness support when heart attacks, cancer, or kidney failure strike.
America First Healthcare flips the script. As a proud advocate for private solutions over government intervention, they craft custom plans that slash costs by 20% compared to traditional options. We’re talking comprehensive coverage that includes:
- Preventative and Wellness Care: Physical exams, screenings, and EKGs covered right away—no waiting games.
- Telemedicine Access: Virtual doctor visits anytime, anywhere, for that peace of mind.
- Accident and Critical Illness Protection: Real safeguards against life’s curveballs.
- Add-On Boosts: Dental, vision, disability, and supplemental plans to plug every leak.
Whether you’re an individual stepping off your parents’ plan, a growing family with kids in tow, or a small business owner tired of employee headaches, their tailored approach fits like a glove. Small businesses? Unlock group benefit rates usually reserved for corporate giants—without the red tape.
And for those in-between moments? Short-term insurance steps in as an ultra-affordable bridge, while life insurance ensures your loved ones are never left vulnerable.
Real Americans, Real Wins
Don’t just take our word for it. Thousands of freedom-loving families have already ditched the old system for America First. “Finally, insurance that aligns with our values and actually saves us money,” shares one client. Another raves, “Our small team got big-business perks without the hassle—it’s a game-changer.” These aren’t scripted lines; they’re the voices of patriots who’ve reclaimed control over their health destiny.
Your Move: Secure Your Shield Today
Why settle for less when you can demand better? America First Healthcare isn’t about profits—it’s about powering the American dream with reliable, value-driven protection. Plans are available year-round, no open-enrollment nonsense.
Ready to uncover the gaps in your current setup and lock in savings? Schedule your FREE healthcare review today at America First Healthcare. In under 15 minutes, their experts will map out options that fit your life, your budget, and your principles.
America First isn’t just healthcare—it’s a declaration of independence. Join the movement. Your family’s freedom starts now.