Rather than set government straight, Elon Musk is leaving Washington with the federal budget all cattywampus. Deficit spending is increasing, not waning, and there is a growing school of thought that his “efficiency” effort could end up costing the government as much as or more than it saved.

White House officials have said that DOGE’s efforts will continue after Musk leaves, and that he would likely continue to advise the President. "Elon is really not leaving. He’s going to be back and forth, I have a feeling," Trump said Friday. "It’s his baby.” Here’s what to know about the future of DOGE without Musk.

The billionaire has made clear he is frustrated with the obstacles he encountered as he tried to upend the federal bureaucracy.