An employee in the federal workforce has spoken out against Elon Musk’s recent demand that workers report their weekend tasks. She compared this requirement to living under an oppressive regime, likening it to “North Korea.”
This dispute began after Musk announced on X, previously known as Twitter, that federal employees would receive an email asking what they accomplished the previous week. He stressed that not responding would be treated as a resignation.
Since Musk took charge of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), created by former President Trump, over 200,000 federal jobs have been recommended for cuts. Additionally, around 75,000 employees have accepted buyout plans dubbed “deferred resignations.”
In a video, the federal worker expressed her anxiety about Musk’s directive. She described the overwhelming pressure she felt while typing a response, suggesting it revealed a troubling power dynamic at play. She stated, “It felt like you would do what I say or else.”
Although the email didn’t directly mention that failing to comply would be a resignation, agency leadership hinted that it was serious. The employee criticized Musk’s involvement, asking, “Who is Elon to wield such power over federal employees?”
Her comments touched on the impact of recent layoffs, highlighting that many of the affected employees had dedicated their lives to their careers. She expressed frustration that this environment seemed reminiscent of authoritarian rule, where workers felt compelled to obey commands without question.
As the video circulated, Musk responded by sharing a BBC report about conditions in North Korea, calling it “out of touch with reality.” Meanwhile, federal agencies reacted swiftly to Musk’s email, with many advising employees not to reply without guidance. Reports suggest that less than half of federal workers responded to the initial request.
By the following Monday, the Office of Personnel Management clarified that compliance with Musk’s directive was voluntary. This statement came after Trump endorsed Musk’s approach, labeling it a “pretty ingenious idea,” and suggesting that those who didn’t respond could be seen as “semi-fired or fired.”
Musk later defended his email, downplaying its significance and criticizing those who didn’t respond. He called the email a “pulse check” rather than a performance review, emphasizing that it was simply a way to see who was engaged in their work.
After the initial emails, federal workers began receiving follow-up requests to outline their accomplishments for the past week. These new emails were intended to come from individual agencies, rather than the Office of Personnel Management. Employees were expected to summarize their recent work in a few bullet points, with a clear deadline for submission.
Currently, there is uncertainty about whether Musk and his department have the authority to terminate employees based on these email requests.
Check out this related article: Unlocking Jeff Bezos’s Vision: What He Truly Aims to Achieve with The Washington Post
Source linkElon Musk,DOGE,Donald Trump,Trump administration
