Elon Musk Leaves Trump’s DOGE, but His Political Shadow Looms Over 2026 Midterms

Elon Musk’s tenure as the head of President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has officially wrapped up, but his shadow looms large over the political landscape as the 2026 midterms approach. In a White House news conference scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET today, Trump hinted that Musk’s influence isn’t going anywhere, praising the billionaire as “terrific” and a lasting ally.

Tasked with slashing federal spending by a staggering $2 trillion, Musk dove into the role with his signature audacity, wielding a metaphorical—and sometimes literal—chainsaw to cut what he deemed wasteful spending. From asset sales to contract cancellations, DOGE’s efforts yielded roughly $175 billion in savings, though legal challenges slowed many of its aggressive workforce reductions. Musk’s flair for the dramatic, like brandishing a chainsaw at a MAGA-heavy CPAC event, made headlines but also sparked lawsuits and polarized public opinion.

While Trump lauded Musk’s bold moves, not everyone in the GOP was thrilled. Behind closed doors, some Republicans grew weary of Musk’s headline-grabbing antics, with one insider quipping he was “fun to begin with” but became exhausting when he started “wearing multiple hats on his head” in meetings. His recent criticism of Trump’s sweeping tax bill further strained relations with some congressional Republicans.

Musk’s political clout took a hit in Wisconsin’s recent state Supreme Court race, where his $20 million backing of a Trump-aligned candidate fell flat. His stunt of handing out $1 million checks to voters in Green Bay—while sporting a cheesehead hat—didn’t sway the election, which became a partial referendum on his DOGE legacy. Democrats, sensing an opportunity, are already painting Musk as a symbol of GOP excess, with plans to hammer this narrative into the midterms.

Yet, some GOP strategists argue Musk’s impact will endure as a blueprint for curbing government bloat. “His efforts were chaotic but impactful,” one veteran strategist noted, predicting DOGE’s savings will remain a talking point for Republicans serious about fiscal restraint. As the political chessboard resets, Musk’s next move—whether in Washington or from afar—will keep both allies and adversaries on edge.