Elon Musk’s leadership of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) continues to make headlines, but his latest stunt—demanding that 2.3 million federal employees submit five bullet points detailing their weekly accomplishments—has sparked backlash and legal concerns.
The mass email, sent by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) last Saturday, came just hours after Donald Trump encouraged Musk to “get more aggressive” with his government overhaul.
While Musk later implied that failing to comply could be considered a resignation, legal experts have pointed out that firing employees solely for ignoring the demand would be illegal.
Though the request may not have legal standing, it has alarmed federal workers, fueled media outrage, and reinforced Musk’s aggressive approach to dismantling bureaucracy.
The Midnight Deadline: What Happened?
Saturday, February 24, 2025:
- OPM sent a mass email to 2.3 million federal employees.
- The message asked workers to submit five bullet points summarizing their weekly accomplishments by midnight on Monday.
- The email did not state that failing to respond would result in termination.
Musk’s Response on X (formerly Twitter):
- Musk claimed that non-compliance would be seen as resignation.
- This sparked panic among federal employees and a wave of media coverage.
- Legal experts immediately pointed out that such a mass firing would not hold up in court.
Was Musk’s Demand Legal?
Short Answer: No.
- Federal employment protections prevent mass firings without due process.
- Not responding to an email request does not legally count as resignation under U.S. labor laws.
- Lawyers agree that any attempt to fire workers solely for non-compliance would likely face immediate lawsuits.
So why did Musk do it?
Experts believe the move was more about optics than actual policy.
- It sent a message that DOGE is taking an aggressive stance against bureaucracy.
- It instilled fear among federal workers, potentially leading some to quit voluntarily.
- It created a media spectacle, reinforcing Musk’s image as a disruptor.
A former government official told the media:
“This wasn’t about collecting data. It was about intimidating workers and making headlines.”
How Federal Employees Reacted
Fear and Confusion Among Workers
- Many federal employees rushed to submit reports, afraid of potential consequences.
- Others questioned the legality of the request and waited for official guidance.
- Several agencies reportedly advised employees to ignore the demand, citing labor protections.
Union and Legal Backlash
- Federal employee unions have condemned the email, calling it “government by intimidation.”
- Legal experts predict potential lawsuits if any terminations occur based on the request.
- Congressional Democrats have begun pushing for an investigation into DOGE’s employment practices.
Is DOGE in Trouble?
Many now question whether DOGE can sustain its aggressive approach much longer.
Signs of DOGE’s Possible Decline:
- Repeated legal challenges against its authority and Musk’s role.
- Backlash from federal workers, unions, and some lawmakers.
- Errors and misleading savings reports raising credibility concerns.
- Speculation that Musk is losing interest, as some of his reforms stall.
While Trump and Musk continue to push for extreme government cuts, ongoing legal fights and bureaucratic resistance may slow their efforts.
