Elon Musk has ignited turmoil across federal agencies after ordering hundreds of thousands of workers to justify their jobs within 48 hours. The billionaire’s directive, issued via email and social media, requires employees to submit five bullet points detailing last week’s accomplishments by Monday night – or face possible termination.
“Failure to respond will be taken as a resignation,” Musk declared on X, amplifying President Trump’s push for dramatic government efficiency reforms. The move impacts critical agencies including:
- National Weather Service
- State Department
- Federal Court System
- Veterans Affairs
Union leaders swiftly condemned the mandate as AFGE President Everett Kelley vowed legal action:
“This is cruel disrespect to civil servants protecting our nation. We’ll challenge any unlawful firings by this unelected billionaire with zero public service experience.”
Confusion spread as agency leaders scrambled to verify the email’s authenticity. Federal court officials explicitly warned judges and staff: “Do not respond to this suspicious request.” National Weather Service leaders similarly advised caution until confirming the directive’s legitimacy.
The ultimatum follows mass layoffs already affecting:
- Defense Department (12,000+ cuts)
- IRS (8,500 positions eliminated)
- National Parks Service (15% workforce reduction)
Musk defended the aggressive approach at a conservative rally, brandishing a “bureaucracy chainsaw” while declaring federal waste “epidemic.” Office of Personnel Management spokesperson McLaurine Pinover confirmed agencies will handle compliance individually, leaving workers uncertain about consequences for vacations or medical leave.
With legal challenges mounting and agencies divided on enforcement, this 48-hour mandate escalates tensions between Trump’s administration and career civil servants. As federal unions prepare lawsuits, employees await clarity on whether Musk’s email marks genuine policy or another uncoordinated disruption.