The Trump administration is reevaluating Elon Musk’s weekend ultimatum that federal employees must submit 'five things' they accomplished in the last week or face dismissal by Monday evening.
According to an anonymous administration official, federal employees are advised to follow their agency's instructions regarding a government-wide email from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on Saturday, with many agencies advising against responding.
The Administration's Approach
The Trump administration is allowing departments flexibility in how they respond to the OPM mandate, creating distance between the White House and Musk. The official clarified that the OPM email offers general guidance, with agencies expected to issue specific compliance instructions.
In the email, employees were asked to provide a summary of their achievements in the past week to OPM and their manager by Monday night. Musk warned that failure to comply would be seen as a resignation.
National Security Concerns
The ultimatum raised concerns in the national security community, with fears that disclosing such information could jeopardize government secrets. Agencies like the FBI and State Department directed employees not to respond directly, prioritizing national security.
The official emphasized the importance of national security and highlighted the need for a customized approach based on each department's requirements.
The administration's goal is to align with the president's agenda, although Trump was not directly involved in approving the email. The official mentioned Trump's desire for Musk to be more assertive.
Response from Agencies
Various agencies provided conflicting guidance to employees on responding to the email. The Justice Department, for instance, exempted staff from responding due to the sensitive nature of their work, causing confusion among employees.
At the Health and Human Services Department, initial instructions to comply were later reversed, reflecting the evolving nature of responses to the ultimatum.
While some agencies like the General Services Administration and Treasury Department are moving forward with compliance, others are assessing the situation to ensure alignment with their operations.
Conclusion
The Trump administration's decision to step back from Musk's ultimatum showcases a nuanced approach to federal employee engagement. By prioritizing national security and departmental autonomy, the administration aims to balance accountability with operational efficiency.
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