By Alexandra Ulmer (Reuters) -Without billionaire Elon Musk in the Trump administration, his cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency project is likely to sputter out, a former DOGE staffer said in his first interview since leaving the team.

Elon Musk's departure from the Department of Government Efficiency draws praise from Republicans and criticism from Democrats, highlighting political divides.

Elon Musk has left the White House with little fanfare after splitting with Trump on policy and failing to meet his DOGE savings goals.

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.

"As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending," Musk said on his social media platform on Wednesday.