In a move that has sent shockwaves through the federal workforce, Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has mandated that all federal employees report their weekly accomplishments or face termination. This directive, issued over the weekend, has been met with widespread confusion, legal challenges, and resistance from various federal agencies.
On Saturday, February 22, 2025, Musk announced via social media that federal employees would receive an email requesting a summary of their work over the past week. He warned that failure to respond by 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday would be considered a resignation. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) subsequently sent emails to approximately 2.3 million federal workers, instructing them to provide five bullet points detailing their recent accomplishments.
The directive has faced immediate pushback. Key agencies, including the FBI, Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security, have advised their employees not to comply, citing concerns over legality and security. FBI Director Kash Patel instructed staff to “pause any responses” until further notice. Similarly, Tibor Nagy, Acting Undersecretary of State for Management, informed employees that department leadership would respond on their behalf, emphasizing that no individual reporting was required.
Legal experts and lawmakers have questioned the legality of Musk’s ultimatum. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries described the demand as “illegal” and part of a chaotic attempt to force out civil servants. Everett Kelley, President of the American Federation of Government Employees, labeled Musk’s actions as “cruel and disrespectful,” vowing to challenge any unlawful terminations. Labor attorney Suzanne Summerlin emphasized that federal resignations must be voluntary, and non-compliance with the email cannot legally be interpreted as resignation.
The situation has been further complicated by President Donald Trump’s call for Musk to intensify efforts to reduce government spending by downsizing the federal workforce. This directive aligns with recent actions targeting the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The administration announced plans to place nearly all USAID staff on administrative leave and eliminate 2,000 U.S.-based positions. This move follows a federal judge’s decision to allow the administration to proceed with its plan to overhaul the agency, despite legal challenges from employees and contractors.
The abrupt nature of these directives has led to widespread confusion among federal employees. Some agencies have issued conflicting guidance, with certain departments initially instructing compliance, only to later advise employees to hold off pending further clarification. This inconsistency has exacerbated anxiety within the federal workforce, already unsettled by recent mass layoffs and restructuring efforts.
Critics argue that these actions undermine the stability and functionality of essential government services. The dismantling of USAID, in particular, has raised concerns about the U.S.’s ability to conduct foreign aid and development work, which has long been considered a pillar of national security and diplomatic strategy. The administration contends that such measures are necessary to eliminate waste and promote efficiency within the federal government.
As the Monday night deadline approaches, the federal workforce remains in a state of uncertainty. Legal challenges are underway, and unions are mobilizing to protect employees’ rights. The outcome of this standoff could have profound implications for the future of federal employment and the execution of government functions across the nation.
