Elon Musk is deploying his signature productivity ultimatum – previously used during Twitter’s $44 billion acquisition – to evaluate federal workers. The billionaire’s blunt question “What did you get done this week?” triggered mass layoffs at Twitter (now X) and could reshape government operations.
Court-released texts reveal Musk first used this tactic in 2022 with then-Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal. When Agrawal complained about Musk’s public criticisms distracting staff, Musk replied:
“What did you get done this week? I’ll make an offer to buy Twitter.”Within months, Musk fired Agrawal and 75% of Twitter’s workforce while demanding office returns and printed code reviews.
The strategy carries high stakes for federal employees. Fidelity estimates X’s value plunged 71.5% post-acquisition, with Musk now replicating tactics like:
- Immediate termination of perceived low performers
- Radical transparency demands for work output
- Rapid policy shifts creating operational chaos
Former Twitter staff warn federal workers to document everything. Ex-engineer Yao Yue advises: “Use secure chats, record evidence, and protect vulnerable colleagues. Once access is gone, proof disappears.”
As Musk’s OPM email sparks confusion across agencies, legal battles loom. Agrawal’s ongoing lawsuit alleges Musk withheld $500M+ in severance payments – a precedent that could influence federal labor negotiations. With X’s valuation collapse showcasing Musk’s high-risk approach, government unions are preparing for unprecedented workplace disruptions.