Who Will Replace Elon Musk as DOGE Chief? Top Contenders for Trump’s Efficiency Czar

Elon Musk’s departure from his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has left Washington buzzing with speculation about who—if anyone—will step into his oversized shoes. Musk, the tech titan who spearheaded President Donald Trump’s waste-cutting crusade, announced his exit via an X post, saying, "My time as a Special Government Employee has ended, and I’m grateful to President Trump for the chance to slash wasteful spending." He added that DOGE’s mission to streamline government operations will persist and strengthen, becoming a core part of federal culture.

But here’s the twist: there may not be a single successor. A senior White House official revealed that DOGE’s work will now be driven by cabinet members and agency heads, with the president himself leading the charge. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt doubled down, stating, "The DOGE leaders are the president’s entire cabinet, all committed to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse." This suggests a decentralized approach, with no one person filling Musk’s role.

Still, if Trump opts for a new DOGE chief, a few names stand out. Amy Gleason, a career official and acting chief of the United States DOGE Service (USDS), is a strong contender. Recognized by the Obama administration for her nonprofit work on Juvenile Myositis, Gleason’s low-profile leadership and experience in Trump’s first term make her a practical choice for a behind-the-scenes role. Alternatively, Russell Vought, the current director of the Office of Management and Budget, has been pivotal in DOGE’s efforts. His close ties to Trump and focus on fiscal discipline position him as a frontrunner, though his association with Project 2025 and Christian nationalist critiques could stir controversy.

Vivek Ramaswamy, who briefly co-led DOGE with Musk, was once a top pick, but his sights are now set on Ohio’s gubernatorial race in 2026. His return seems unlikely, leaving Gleason and Vought as the most probable candidates—if Trump even chooses to name a successor. For now, DOGE’s mission lives on, woven into the fabric of Trump’s administration.