WASHINGTON: Federal workers received an email Saturday demanding they explain last week’s work. Elon Musk warned non-responders could face dismissal. The message, from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), lacked a signature and prohibited sharing classified data.
Email Demand
The email’s subject line read: “What did you do last week?” Many messages were marked high-priority. Employees were instructed to provide five bullet points summarizing their work. The deadline for responses is Monday at 11:59 p.m. ET. Although Musk implied non-response equals resignation, the email did not confirm this.
Musk’s Statement
Musk announced the policy on X, citing former President Donald Trump’s directives. Trump had earlier encouraged Musk to act more aggressively. Musk posted that employees would soon receive a request to report their work. His statement added pressure to an already tense federal workforce.
Workforce Reaction
Many federal employees were unsettled by the unexpected request. Union leaders received continuous messages from worried workers. A union official admitted they did not fully understand the email’s intent. Employees were advised to wait for further guidance before responding.
Previous Orders
The Trump administration had recently issued controversial workforce directives. Thousands of probationary employees were terminated. A resignation offer, viewed as dubious, was also circulated. A separate mandate required federal workers to return to the office full-time.
Agency Caution
Some federal agencies instructed employees to delay responding. This was particularly true for agencies handling sensitive information. FBI Director Kash Patel told employees not to reply immediately. Other agencies also advised caution in addressing the request.
Official Uncertainty
Many workers remain confused about the email’s legitimacy. The absence of a signature raised concerns about its authenticity. Some speculate it may be an early step toward broader layoffs. Agencies continue to monitor the situation closely.
Union Response
Unions are actively discussing potential responses to this directive. Leaders are urging caution while seeking clarification. Legal challenges could arise depending on how this policy is enforced. The situation remains fluid, with growing anxiety among workers.
Awaiting Clarification
Government officials have yet to confirm the policy’s legal standing. Federal employees hope for clearer communication in the coming days. Uncertainty lingers as workers face difficult choices. More updates are expected soon.
