A divide has emerged between some of President Donald Trump's agency heads and billionaire Elon Musk, who has been tasked with reforming the federal government. The disagreement centers around Musk's requirement for all federal employees to report their weekly accomplishments or potentially face termination.
Leaders at various agencies, including the Pentagon, FBI, State Department, DHS, and Department of Energy, advised their staff not to respond to an email from the Office of Personnel Management requesting weekly accomplishments. While some agencies initially instructed employees to comply, they later reversed course, causing confusion among the federal workforce.
Despite the guidance from agency heads, Musk stood firm in his stance, questioning why some parts of the government found the accountability measure troubling. Senior officials at different agencies worked to provide employees with guidance on how to proceed, with many advising against responding to the email at the moment.
The Department of Defense, Homeland Security, and State Department, among others, informed their employees that reporting activities outside their department's chain of command was not mandatory. Musk's team has gained access to sensitive databases and is pushing for greater accountability and reform within the government, showcasing his significant influence in reshaping federal agencies.
While President Trump has supported Musk's efforts, some Republicans, like Sen. John Curtis of Utah, have raised concerns about the lack of compassion in the accountability demands. The situation has left the federal workforce grappling with uncertainty and upheaval as Musk continues to advocate for increased accountability and reform within the government.