The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk under the Trump administration, has sparked nationwide outrage after issuing a controversial new deadline for federal employees. The directive demands that workers submit a list of five accomplishments from the prior week by Monday, February 24 at 11:59 p.m.—or risk losing their jobs.
While some government officials support the push for cutting federal waste, critics argue that this aggressive strategy is reckless, unconstitutional, and harmful to essential public services.
The New Deadline: What Federal Employees Are Facing
On the night of February 22, thousands of federal employees received an abrupt email demanding proof of their productivity within a strict deadline. The email, reportedly sent at Musk’s behest, warned workers that failing to submit their achievements could lead to termination.
Some federal agency heads, including those appointed by Trump himself, have quietly advised their staff to ignore the directive, suggesting that the demand could be illegal or unenforceable. However, the uncertainty has left many employees confused and fearful for their jobs.
Arizona’s Legal Battle Against DOGE
In response to DOGE’s actions, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has filed multiple lawsuits targeting Trump, Musk, and DOGE. Mayes argues that Musk’s involvement in government decision-making violates:
- The separation of powers
- The Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution
“This demonstrates that Musk is effectively in charge, which violates the Constitution. It’s not only bad for America but will be a critical piece of our litigation,” Mayes said.
Mayes also highlighted the devastating local impact:
- Wildfire response funding was slashed, leading to layoffs of firefighters in Payson just ahead of wildfire season.
- Efforts to combat the influence of Mexican drug cartels were defunded, reducing resources critical to protecting Arizonans.
Federal Workers Caught in the Middle
For many federal employees, the sudden demands from DOGE have created mass confusion and anxiety.
Richard Hernandez, a representative from the Federal Correctional Complex in Tucson, described the mood among workers:
“The response has been angry and confused. We’re not getting clear instructions from leadership, and everyone’s worried about losing their jobs.”
There’s also growing concern about how these abrupt cuts could affect:
- Staff retention and recruitment in essential federal services
- National security, particularly after accidental layoffs of employees managing nuclear weapons programs
- Public health, with the USDA mistakenly firing staff essential to managing the avian flu outbreak
Public Reaction: Divided Opinions in Arizona
Arizona voters remain split on the issue, with some supporting greater efficiency while others criticize the chaos unleashed by DOGE’s policies.
- Aaron Blocher-Rubin, a local resident, voiced his skepticism:“There’s always room for efficiency, but this seems reckless and without strategy. We won’t fully grasp the consequences for weeks, months, or even years.”
- Dwayne Stone offered a more pragmatic take:“If I were a federal worker, I’d exaggerate my accomplishments just to avoid getting fired.”
Political Reactions: A Divided Government
Arizona’s political leaders are deeply divided over DOGE’s aggressive policies.
Critics of DOGE’s Actions:
- Rep. Yassamin Ansari condemned the wave of layoffs:“We’re witnessing the complete gutting of agencies, and federal employees are living in fear of being fired without reason.”
Supporters of DOGE’s Strategy:
- Rep. Eli Crane backed Musk’s initiative, calling for greater transparency in government spending:“The American people deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent. This is a step toward accountability.”
- Rep. Abe Hamadeh echoed Crane’s sentiments:“It’s infuriating to watch bureaucrats waste taxpayer money while the media downplays the issue.”
- Rep. Andy Biggs pointed to government waste as a significant national issue:“We’re losing billions annually to fraud and mismanagement. DOGE’s efforts are necessary.”
