Stay Informed: Real-Time Updates on Donald Trump’s Presidency – CNN Politics

Recently, the Trump administration sent out a mass email asking federal employees to report on their work from the previous week. At the same time, Elon Musk warned that anyone who doesn’t respond could lose their job. This has created quite a stir among federal agencies.

Some agencies have advised employees to hold off on replying, which may lead to tension with Musk. Others, however, are urging compliance, and unions are preparing to challenge the requests legally.

Is it legal to fire employees for not responding? Experts say that Musk can’t force federal workers to resign. If he tries, it could be considered termination without cause, which would allow affected workers to file claims against the government. Employees are encouraged to talk to their managers or union officials before they act on the email.

Here’s what some agencies are saying:

Leaders at several major departments, including the Pentagon, FBI, State Department, Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Energy, have told employees not to respond to the email sent by the Office of Personnel Management.

For many at the Pentagon, the email disrupted their weekend plans, leading to a chaotic atmosphere among senior officials.

Initially, the Department of Health and Human Services ordered its employees to comply with the email, but then reversed its guidance, suggesting a pause instead.

Agencies under HHS, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, and Food and Drug Administration, advised staff to wait for clearer instructions.

NASA is also working on how to direct its employees, having initially told them to comply with the email.

Workers at both the Social Security Administration and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have been told to respond to the email.

Many CFPB employees had received prior notice to stop work, and the email suggested that they simply state their compliance with the work stoppage in their replies.

Employees at the National Transportation Safety Board, responsible for investigating recent air disasters, are also required to clarify what they accomplished last week. How they will be instructed to respond remains unclear. The deadline to reply is set for 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday.