Federal agencies and workers are in turmoil over Elon Musk’s ultimatum for responses to an email detailing their weekly accomplishments, threatening termination for noncompliance. Several agencies have advised their employees against responding as the deadline approaches.
– Feb. 23, 3:26 p.m. EST: The American Federation of Government Employees, representing federal workers, condemned Musk’s directive in a letter to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The union labeled the demand as “plainly unlawful” and asserted that there is no mandate for workers to comply, arguing the directive resulted in feelings of intimidation and undervaluation among employees.
– Feb. 23: Multiple agencies, including the Department of Defense and the federal judiciary, instructed employees not to respond to Musk’s email. Tulsi Gabbard of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence highlighted the classified nature of their work as a reason for the directive.
– Feb. 23, 8:45 a.m. EST: Musk responded on social media, claiming the email was a “basic pulse check” aimed at identifying potential payroll fraud involving “non-existent people or the identities of dead people” but provided no evidence.
– Feb. 22: Reports emerged revealing that several agencies, including the State Department and the FBI, advised their staff to refrain from responding. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that the agency will manage its review processes.
– Feb. 22, 2:46 p.m. EST: Musk tweeted about the email directive, stating that failing to respond would be viewed as a resignation.
– Feb. 22, 8:04 a.m. EST: Former President Trump praised Musk’s actions, suggesting he be even more assertive.
Response Timing: Federal employees have until 11:59 p.m. Monday to respond regarding their recent work accomplishments.
Agencies Directing Non-Response:
Many high-ranking officials from key agencies—including the FBI, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, U.S. Courts, State Department, and Department of Justice—have advised employees against responding to Musk’s email. Miscellaneous communications suggested the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration was verifying if the email was a phishing attempt, while NASA initially instructed responses before issuing contradictory advice.
Agencies Supporting Response:
Musk stated he received numerous favorable responses from federal employees, though it’s unclear where these responses originated. Agencies like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Secret Service advised their staff to comply, and workers at the National Resources Conservation Service were encouraged to respond candidly.
Confusion Within Agencies:
Conflicting directives emerged from the Justice Department concerning employee responses. Some officials communicated that staff should reply, while others indicated they need not comply.
Reactions from Republicans:
While Republicans have largely remained silent on the issue, some have expressed concern about the feasibility and implications of Musk’s ultimatum. For instance, Rep. Mike Lawler questioned the legality of threatening dismissal for non-response due to existing union contracts, while Sen. John Curtis urged for a more compassionate approach, emphasizing the human impact on federal employees.
Implications of Non-Response:
The repercussions for employees failing to respond by Monday are unclear. Challenges in handling the influx of responses could complicate OPM’s capability to manage compliance. Any attempt by Musk to terminate employees could provoke legal challenges from unions and affected individuals.
Contradictory Claims:
Musk’s sweeping directives and threats to federal employees may conflict with ongoing legal challenges regarding his authority over federal functions. Lawyers for the Trump administration have attempted to downplay Musk’s authority, asserting he does not possess the power to directly control government actions, despite claims made by state attorneys general labeling him an “agent of chaos.”
Key Background:
This initiative by Musk is part of a larger agenda to significantly reduce the federal workforce amid widespread layoffs in various government agencies. The directive follows offers for buyouts to voluntary resignations extended by Musk and the Trump administration.
