Elon Musk has set a new precedent for the federal workforce with an email ordering U.S. government employees to submit a detailed list of their weekly accomplishments—or face potential termination. The directive, which aligns with the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce, comes as part of Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge).

Musk’s email, sent late Saturday afternoon, emphasizes the administration’s focus on streamlining government functions. The email, titled “What did you do last week?” directed federal employees to submit five bullet points outlining their work achievements over the previous week. Failure to respond would be considered a resignation, Musk said in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

A Shift in Government Efficiency Under Musk’s Leadership

Elon Musk has been a major figure in leading efforts to reduce government spending and increase efficiency, and this new initiative builds on his reputation for making bold and controversial decisions. As head of the Department of Government Efficiency, Musk has spearheaded a series of measures aimed at downsizing the federal workforce.

Shortly before the email was sent, Musk posted on X that employees would receive a message asking them to outline their work for the past week. The message specified that failure to respond would be taken as a resignation. The directive’s timing is noteworthy, as it followed remarks by former President Donald Trump at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reducing government size.

White House Confirms Musk’s Directives

In response to the email, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the federal human resources agency, confirmed the authenticity of the message. The OPM’s statement outlined that the Trump administration’s goal is to create an efficient and accountable federal workforce. Employees were instructed to send their work summaries to their managers by Monday, with the OPM clarifying that agencies would determine any next steps following the submission.

The email, sent from a human resources account, instructed federal workers to submit their accomplishments in five bullet points, excluding any classified information, by midnight Monday. It was unclear whether failure to respond would automatically result in resignation, but the message set an intense tone, pushing employees to demonstrate their contributions clearly or risk termination.

Union Outrage and Employee Backlash

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest union representing federal workers, condemned the directive, calling it “cruel and disrespectful.” Union president Everett Kelley expressed deep concerns over the demand, vowing to challenge any “unlawful terminations” that might arise from it.

Kelley and other union leaders argue that the new directive unfairly targets employees who already work under immense pressure, particularly those who serve in vital public roles. Critics point out that reducing the federal workforce in this manner could further strain public services, which many argue are already underfunded and understaffed.

FBI Resistance and Pushback from Other Agencies

While many federal agencies prepared to comply with the email directive, there was notable resistance from some sectors. Newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel instructed his employees to disregard the email, citing the agency’s own internal processes for managing employee performance. Patel clarified that the FBI manages its review processes independently and would not follow the OPM’s instructions.

This resistance from the FBI is significant, as it suggests that some agencies may push back against the broader efforts to implement such sweeping workforce reductions. The FBI’s defiance could lead to tensions between agencies and the Department of Government Efficiency.

Trump Defends Workforce Cuts and Praises Musk’s Efforts

At CPAC, former President Trump vigorously defended the efforts to cut the federal workforce. He criticized the number of federal employees working remotely, claiming that this contributed to inefficiency. Trump stated that his administration aimed to eliminate “unnecessary, incompetent, and corrupt bureaucrats” while promoting a “smaller, more efficient government.”

Trump praised Musk’s actions, calling his leadership in workforce reductions a “great job” and encouraging him to be “more aggressive” in cutting government jobs. Musk’s aggressive approach to workforce cuts has drawn parallels to his management style at Twitter (now X), where he famously reduced the company’s staff and issued ultimatums to employees demanding a “hardcore” work ethic or resignation.

Impact on Federal Workforce: Layoffs Already Taking Place

Musk’s influence, with the White House’s backing, has already had a noticeable impact on the federal workforce. Thousands of employees at key federal agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Pentagon, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have already lost their jobs as part of broader efforts to reduce government spending.

The email directive is just one element of Musk’s wider push to cut costs within the federal system. By targeting productivity and output, Musk aims to shift the conversation around government efficiency, which has long been criticized for bloated budgets and ineffective management.

Musk’s Leadership Style Raises Questions

Musk’s leadership style, often described as bold and unconventional, has drawn both admiration and criticism. His approach to managing Twitter, now X, involved massive layoffs and a demand for employees to commit to an “extremely hardcore” work culture. This philosophy has extended into his role leading Doge, and it remains to be seen how it will affect the broader government workforce.

As the effort to reduce government jobs continues, the ramifications for federal employees and the services they provide will become clearer. Critics argue that Musk’s aggressive stance could erode essential public services, while supporters contend that it is a necessary step toward a more efficient and cost-effective government.

The Future of the Federal Workforce

The current directive from Musk represents just one phase of a larger effort to overhaul the federal workforce. As agencies continue to evaluate their employees’ output, the pressure on government workers to prove their value will intensify. While some support the push for a smaller, more efficient government, others warn that it could jeopardize vital services and harm those who work tirelessly to serve the public.

For more updates on the ongoing efforts to reform the federal workforce, visit Wallstreet Storys.