A new conflict has emerged within the Trump administration as several key federal agencies, including those led by Trump loyalists, push back against Elon Musk’s aggressive campaign to cut down the federal workforce. This tension follows Musk’s attempt to enforce a policy requiring government employees to report their weekly accomplishments or risk termination.
Musk’s Mandate Sparks Controversy
On Saturday, federal employees received an email from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) demanding that they submit around five bullet points detailing what they had accomplished during the previous week. Employees were given a deadline of 11:59 PM Monday to comply.
Shortly before the emails were sent, Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“All federal workers will receive an email soon. Failure to respond will be taken as a resignation.”
This move, part of Musk’s broader strategy to eliminate inefficiencies within the federal government, has sparked widespread confusion and resistance from within the government itself.
Federal Agencies Push Back
In an unusual show of defiance, several federal agencies and departments—some run by Trump-appointed officials—quickly rejected Musk’s directive:
- Department of Defense (DoD): Issued a statement urging staff to “pause any response” to the OPM email. The department emphasized that it manages its own performance reviews according to internal procedures.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Newly appointed director Kash Patel instructed personnel that the FBI’s internal office would handle all performance evaluations, not DOGE or Musk.
- State Department and Office of National Intelligence: Also advised their staff to disregard the OPM directive, asserting that internal protocols would take precedence.
This resistance suggests a growing rift between some of Trump’s top officials and Musk, who has been given wide authority to streamline federal operations through his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Union Opposition Intensifies
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest federal employee union, immediately condemned the email directive. In a strongly worded letter sent to the OPM, the union accused Musk of overstepping his authority:
“This email was nothing more than an irresponsible and sophomoric attempt to create confusion and bully the hard-working federal employees that serve our country,” the union wrote.
The AFGE also vowed to legally challenge any terminations it considers unlawful, potentially setting the stage for a legal showdown with the Trump administration and DOGE.
Trump and Musk’s Growing Partnership
Despite mounting resistance, President Trump has continued to back Musk, appointing him as the head of the newly formed DOGE advisory body. Tasked with reducing public spending and eliminating government waste, Musk’s cost-cutting measures have already resulted in significant layoffs and restructuring across various agencies.
However, Musk’s approach—rooted in private-sector management techniques—has faced legal challenges and mounting political pressure. Some analysts suggest that even Trump’s closest allies are beginning to question whether Musk’s sweeping influence over federal operations is sustainable or legally valid.
