VA-02: Musk's doubts about DOGE spotlight political risks for U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans

Republican U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia Beach is heading into the 2026 election cycle with one of the most precarious political balancing acts in the country, as her strong support for the Department of Government Efficiency collides with new doubts about the program — and the realities of representing a district heavily reliant on federal jobs.

The challenge sharpened last week when Elon Musk, the billionaire tech executive who helped architect DOGE, told GOP podcaster Katie Miller that the initiative had been only “somewhat successful” and said bluntly that he would not do it again.

In the interview, Musk acknowledged the political and practical blowback from DOGE, which was launched early in President Donald Trump’s second term with the stated goal of slashing government spending and reshaping the federal workforce.

For Kiggans, who represents Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, Musk’s comments land at a sensitive moment.




https://virginiamercury.com/2025/12/17/musks-doubts-about-doge-spotlight-political-risks-for-u-s-rep-jen-kiggans/