Elon Musk’s Ultimatum: Federal Workers Face Job Threat Amid Agency Backlash

President Donald Trump has endorsed Elon Musk’s call for federal employees to account for their recent work, igniting controversy over potential job consequences for noncompliance. The apparent directive comes from Musk, who suggested that employees could face termination if they do not respond to an email detailing their recent accomplishments.

The situation escalated when the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) declared that compliance with Musk’s email request was voluntary. Just hours after the announcement, Musk reaffirmed his stance on X, stating that workers would receive “another chance,” and reiterating that failure to respond could lead to dismissal.

Trump supported Musk’s assertions that his Department of Government Efficiency had uncovered “hundreds of billions of dollars in fraud.” However, he provided no concrete evidence to substantiate these claims, raising questions about accountability and the validity of such allegations.

In light of these contrasting directives, federal employees have received mixed messages regarding their obligations. Depending on their agency, some were instructed to comply, others were told it was optional, while some were advised against responding altogether.

In an unusual warning from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, federal employees were cautioned that their responses might be scrutinized by “malign foreign actors.” This email followed a critical memo from OPM that clarified compliance was no longer mandatory and emphasized that failing to reply would have no repercussions on their employment status.

The evolving situation has prompted legal action from federal workers who argue that Musk’s ultimatum is unlawful. A revised lawsuit filed in California aims to challenge the legality of Musk’s demands, asserting that no historical precedent exists requiring federal employees to report their activities to OPM. The plaintiffs, comprising various unions and advocacy groups, labeled the threat of layoffs as one of the most significant employment frauds in U.S. history.