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.

Federal workers from six agencies tell WIRED that DOGE-style work is escalating in their departments as both new and familiar DOGE faces have appeared in meetings and at new offices.