In a sweeping cost-cutting directive, Elon Musk has given federal employees just over 48 hours to document their accomplishments from the past week, warning that failure to respond will be treated as a resignation. The announcement, made on Musk’s social media platform X on Saturday, comes as part of a broader effort to eliminate what he deems “waste everywhere” in the federal government under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Shortly after his provocative post, federal employees received a terse email instructing them to “reply with approximately 5 bullets of what you accomplished last week and cc your manager.” The deadline for responses is set for Monday at 11:59 p.m.
This drastic measure is one among many in an aggressive downsizing effort that has already seen hundreds of thousands of government workers either terminated or pushed into buyouts during the first month of Trump’s tenure. Federal agencies spanning the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense, Health and Human Services, the Internal Revenue Service, and the National Parks Service have been affected by these extensive staffing cuts.
AFGE President Everett Kelley sharply criticized the ultimatum, stating it reflects “an utter disdain for federal employees and the critical services they provide.” He condemned the move as “cruel and disrespectful,” particularly towards veterans and long-serving civil servants. “AFGE will challenge any unlawful terminations of our members and federal employees across the country,” Kelley vowed.
Musk, who celebrated his new role at a conservative gathering by brandishing a giant chainsaw—dubbed “the chainsaw for bureaucracy”—has made it clear that his mandate is part of a broader strategy to root out inefficiency. “Waste is pretty much everywhere,” he asserted.
McLaurine Pinover from the Office of Personnel Management confirmed that Musk’s directive is in effect and noted that individual agencies will determine further actions, including policies for employees on leave or vacation.
As the administration pushes forward with its restructuring efforts, the federal workforce braces for what could be one of the most significant overhauls in recent memory.