Elon Musk issued an ultimatum to federal workers, demanding that they report their accomplishments from the previous week or face losing their jobs. This directive was met with pushback from unions and groups who filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, claiming the email ordering employees to justify their workweek was unlawful. The lawsuit argues that the mass firings ordered by OPM are illegal and represent a breach of trust towards federal employees.
Despite the email sent out by OPM requesting employees to list five accomplishments from the previous week, some agencies, including the Justice Department and FBI, instructed their employees not to respond. This action was seen as part of Musk’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce by up to 10 percent as a directive from President Donald Trump. Musk’s approach mirrors his past actions when he acquired Twitter, where he conducted massive layoffs and required employees to commit to intense work or face termination.
Critics have raised concerns about Musk and DOGE’s access to government data and information, with multiple lawsuits alleging violations of laws and rules related to data and privacy. It has been reported that DOGE is using artificial intelligence to analyze government data, such as spending at the Education Department. The situation has led to tensions between Musk, DOGE, and their critics, with ongoing legal battles addressing these issues.
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