Key Takeaways:

• Elon Musk mandates that federal employees provide a summary of their accomplishments from the previous week.
• A failure to respond by the Monday deadline will be regarded as a resignation, sparking controversy.
• The directive has raised concerns among labor unions about legal ramifications and respect for federal workers.

NEW YORK — In a bold move to streamline federal operations, Elon Musk has instructed hundreds of thousands of federal employees to account for their productivity over the past week. The request, which demands a summary of approximately five accomplishments, must be submitted via email within a stringent 48-hour deadline. In a post on X, which Musk owns, he noted, “Failure to respond will be taken as a resignation,” aligning his actions with directions from President Trump, as reported by SFGate.

This ultimatum has raised eyebrows within the federal workforce, as it comes amid ongoing mass layoffs and buyouts affecting at least 20,000 government positions in recent weeks. Many agencies have confirmed receipt of Musk's directive, which incited confusion about its legitimacy, according to NPR. Musk's directive arrived via email from the Office of Personnel Management, adding to ongoing anxieties surrounding federal employment during this administration.

Labor unions have vocally criticized Musk’s order, framing it as a demonstration of “utter disdain for federal employees.” AFGE President Everett Kelley condemned the mandate, suggesting it disrespectfully targets veterans who serve in public office. He stated, “It is cruel and disrespectful to hundreds of thousands of veterans who are wearing their second uniform in the civil service...” Kelly further warned that the union would challenge any illegal terminations stemming from this ultimatum, as echoed in multiple reports including LA Times.

The uncertainty surrounding compliance has, according to some federal agency supervisors, led to internal confusion. For example, the State Department quickly informed employees that they did not have to respond to the email as it fell outside typical communication protocols. Other agencies also clarified that responses to Musk's email were not mandatory, as they were still assessing its authenticity.

Musk’s approach appears to mirror management tactics employed in his other enterprises, where he has previously solicited similar reports from staff, emphasizing increased productivity and accountability. His recent public appearances, including waving a chainsaw at a conservative gathering, reflect his ongoing commitment to “cutting waste” allegedly rampant within the federal bureaucracy.

As federal employees navigate the repercussions of this directive, many await clarity on how their respective agencies will respond to these unexpected demands.

For more coverage on this story, visit the original articles from SFGate, NPR, and LA Times.