Federal workers in the United States are facing new realities under President Donald Trump.
Elon Musk Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been issuing directives, formulating policies that is fast changing the dynamics of work conditions for federal workers with possibility of downsizing.
Federal workforce, employees received emails on Saturday requesting a summary of their work from the previous week. Elon Musk stated that “failure to respond will be taken as a resignation,” following directives from President Donald Trump.
“Please reply to this email with approx. 5 bullets of what you accomplished last week and cc your manager. Please do not send any classified information, links, or attachments,” the email reads. It originates from the Office of Personnel Management’s HR email address but lacks a signature.
The email’s subject line is straightforward: “What did you do last week? ”Many of these emails were marked with high importance or featured red exclamation marks, signaling urgency.
This email initiative followed Musk’s social media post, which threatened job security for non-compliant workers.
“Consistent with President @realDonaldTrump’s instructions, all federal employees will shortly receive an email requesting to understand what they got done last week,” Musk posted on X, just hours after Trump encouraged a more assertive approach.
Notably, the email does not explicitly state that a failure to respond will be interpreted as resignation; it merely indicates a submission deadline of Monday at 11:59 p.m. ET.
This communication has sparked unease among federal employees, who are already grappling with a series of contentious directives from the Trump administration, including the recent dismissal of thousands of probationary employees, a controversial deferred resignation offer, and a mandate to return to the office full-time.
One union president reported receiving “nonstop” texts from anxious members following Musk’s announcement and the OPM email.
“I don’t have any clue what in the world that email means either,” the union official told the press advising members to “just stand by until I advise otherwise.”
**Agencies Urge Caution in Response**
In response to the OPM’s email, several agencies have recommended that employees refrain from responding, especially in departments where duties may involve sensitive information.
FBI Director Kash Patel instructed bureau employees on Saturday not to respond immediately to the OPM communication. Patel stated,
“The FBI, through the Office of the Director, is in charge of all of our review processes, and will conduct reviews in accordance with FBI procedures. When and if further information is required, we will coordinate the responses. For now, please pause any responses.
”His email came after senior leadership at the FBI’s New York field office and other divisions advised employees against responding, according to a source familiar with the situation.
Employees at the National Security Agency were also told to delay their responses until they receive additional guidance from the Department of Defense.
Additionally, Ed Martin, the interim US attorney for the District of Columbia, wrote to employees advising them to “be general” in their replies if necessary, assuring them of support:
“If anyone gives you problems, I’ve got your back,” Martin noted.Concerns have also been raised regarding the OPM email’s Monday deadline, particularly for employees on vacation or sick leave.
“Are they subject to termination because they are not available to respond?” an official questioned.Other employees expressed difficulties in responding due to the classified nature of their work or inconsistent access to computers, which could hinder their ability to meet the deadline.
The perception and implications of Donald Trump’s administration on federal workers, particularly regarding downsizing and job threats, can be complex and multifaceted.
Below is an overview of the implications, as well as how directives from influential figures like Elon Musk may resonate within this context:
Perception of Downsizing and Job Threats:
**Job Insecurity**: During Trump’s presidency, many federal employees felt job insecurity due to proposed cuts and efforts to streamline government operations.
The notion that the government could reduce its workforce or privatize certain services led to concerns about job stability among federal workers.
*Public Sentiment**: Public reaction was mixed; some supported the downsizing as a means to reduce government expenditure, while others critiqued the potential loss of vital services and experienced personnel.
**Policy Impact**: Through executive orders and budget proposals, the Trump administration aimed to reshape the federal workforce, which often resulted in anxiety among employees regarding their future.
**Morale and Performance**: Job threats can lead to decreased morale and productivity among federal employees, as uncertainty may distract them from their core job functions.
**Workforce Changes**: Federal agencies may have experienced a shift in talent, with experienced employees leaving or retiring early, potentially leading to a loss of institutional knowledge.
**Political and Social Ramifications**: Federal worker downsizing could lead to significant political pushback, particularly from unions and advocacy groups focused on workers’ rights.### Elon Musk’s Influence:
*Technological Change**: As a significant figure in the tech industry, Musk’s directives—especially concerning automation and restructuring—could exacerbate concerns regarding federal employment, particularly if efficiencies are prioritized in the public sector.
**Innovation vs. Employment**: While innovation can lead to growth opportunities, rapid changes in technology may also threaten traditional jobs. Federal workers might be apprehensive about job displacement due to advancements in automation and technology.
**Union Outrage and Worker Anxiety** The head of a prominent union representing federal workers criticized Musk’s ultimatum, stating that it exemplifies the Trump administration’s “utter disdain for federal employees and the critical services they provide to the American people.”
“It is cruel and disrespectful to hundreds of thousands of veterans who are wearing their second uniform in the civil service to be forced to justify their job duties to this out-of-touch, privileged, unelected billionaire who has never performed one single hour of honest public service in his life,” remarked Everett Kelley, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents over 800,000 federal workers.
.Kelley indicated that his union intends to pursue legal action to “challenge any unlawful terminations of our members and federal employees.”
Doreen Greenwald, president of the National Treasury Employees Union, condemned the OPM email as “completely unAmerican.”
“This afternoon’s ‘What Did You Do Last Week?’ email to federal workers across the nation should be called out as completely unAmerican,” Greenwald stated.
“NTEU’s members are professional civil servants and will not back down to these blatant attempts to attack a vital resource for the American public.”
One federal employee expressed feelings of insult and disbelief at the demand, particularly in light of existing work activity tracking.
“It’s callous and calculating and just another low-down tactic to get rid of employees they haven’t been able to touch yet,” the worker said, referring to Musk’s assertion that a lack of response would equate to resignation.
Another worker conveyed anxiety about not meeting the deadline due to Musk’s tweets suggesting that non-response would be viewed as resignation.
This individual highlighted that colleagues were uncertain whether to report actual accomplishments or simply reiterate their oath to the Constitution.
**Trump Encourages Musk’s Aggressiveness** Trump has enlisted Musk to reform the federal government through his Department of Government Efficiency.
However, the legality of this latest initiative remains uncertain.
An OPM spokesperson, when contacted for comment, stated that the initiative reflects a “commitment to an efficient and accountable federal workforce.” The spokesperson also noted that “agencies will determine any next steps.
”Following Musk’s post, Trump praised him as a “patriot” and commended his efforts during remarks at the Conservative Political Action Conference.
Musk’s Saturday comments came in response to an earlier post from Trump, who expressed a desire for the tech billionaire to adopt a more assertive stance.
“ELON IS DOING A GREAT JOB, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIM GET MORE AGGRESSIVE. REMEMBER, WE HAVE A COUNTRY TO SAVE, BUT ULTIMATELY, TO MAKE GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE. MAGA!” Trump wrote. Musk replied, “Will do, Mr. President!” in his own post.
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