Tensions are escalating among US federal workers following a controversial email directive issued by Elon Musk, allegedly under President Donald Trump’s orders, demanding that they list their last week’s work or face termination.
The directive, which sparked outrage across federal agencies, initially left workers scrambling for clarity. However, 48 hours later, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) clarified that responding to Musk’s email was voluntary, throwing agencies into further confusion.
Unions and activist groups have since filed lawsuits in California to challenge the legality of the demand. Several key agencies—including the Department of Defense, Justice, Health and Human Services (HHS), and the FBI—advised their employees to ignore the directive, fueling a standoff between government officials and Musk’s leadership.
An anonymous HHS employee, speaking to the BBC, summed up the frustration:
“They’re succeeding in driving us insane.”
Musk, in a recent update on X (formerly Twitter), doubled down, insisting that the directive was at the discretion of President Trump:
“They will be given another chance,” he posted. “Failure to respond a second time will result in termination.”
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karine Leavitt attempted to dismiss concerns, stating that “everyone is working together as one unified team at the direction of President Trump.”
The situation has triggered massive backlash, with federal worker unions vowing to resist what they call an overreach of executive power. Legal experts argue that Musk’s directive could set a dangerous precedent for labor rights in the US federal system.
As the deadline for compliance looms, all eyes remain on the unfolding legal battle that could reshape federal employment policies under the Trump administration.
