24-2-2025 (WASHINGTON) Numerous US federal agencies have instructed their staff to disregard a controversial directive from Elon Musk, President Donald Trump’s efficiency adviser, highlighting growing tensions within the administration’s ambitious workforce reduction campaign.
The world’s wealthiest individual, now spearheading the Department of Government Efficiency, faces mounting opposition as his aggressive approach to trimming the 2.3 million-strong federal civilian workforce encounters significant pushback from various quarters, including the FBI and State Department.
The weekend drama unfolded when federal employees received an unprecedented email demanding they detail their weekly accomplishments by Monday midnight, with Musk declaring on his X platform that non-compliance would be interpreted as resignation. The message, originating from the Office of Personnel Management’s HR department, sparked immediate controversy across government institutions.
“From a management perspective, you can see what a clown car this is right now,” remarked former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie during an ABC News appearance, whilst Republican Senator John Curtis from Utah appealed for a more compassionate approach to the reforms.
The administration’s hasty workforce reduction has already led to the dismissal of over 20,000 employees, with an additional 75,000 receiving buyout offers. This sweeping initiative has created unforeseen complications, forcing the government to rapidly rehire essential personnel responsible for nuclear security and addressing the escalating bird flu crisis.
The American Federation of Government Employees has challenged Musk’s authority to terminate non-compliant staff members, announcing plans to formally request the message’s withdrawal. The union’s stance reflects growing concerns about the legal and practical implications of such unprecedented measures.
The confusion has extended beyond traditional executive branches, reaching federal judiciary employees and triggering responses from various agency leaders. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasised institutional autonomy, stating, “The FBI, through the office of the director, is in charge of all our review processes.”
As the situation continues to evolve, the administration’s approach has drawn criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, with some questioning the effectiveness of such dramatic reforms in addressing the nation’s $36 trillion debt burden.
Musk defended his actions on X, describing the email as “a very basic pulse check” and expressing frustration at institutional resistance. However, his methods have raised concerns about the long-term implications for government functionality and employee welfare.
