Billionaire Elon Musk, acting as a senior advisor to President Donald Trump, announced a new productivity initiative for federal employees, requiring them to submit weekly reports detailing their accomplishments or face potential job loss. This directive, delivered via email, mandates that federal workers explain their productivity from the previous week by 11:59 p.m. Monday.
Musk emphasized the simplicity of the reporting process, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that a short email with a few bullet points would suffice and should take less than five minutes to complete. He characterized the requirement as having a "very low bar." The White House Rapid Response account highlighted the administration's recent achievements, including executive orders on IVF access and immigration benefits, to which Musk responded that even a simple email response would meet the criteria.
Elon Musk speaks during an event in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump. (AP Images)
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) confirmed the initiative, stating that employees are being asked to submit brief summaries of their weekly work, with agencies responsible for determining next steps. However, new FBI Director Kash Patel instructed FBI employees to hold off on responding, asserting that the FBI would manage its internal review processes.
Elon Musk listens as President Donald Trump meets with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (AP/Alex Brandon)
The American Federation of Government Employees labor union expressed strong opposition, criticizing Musk's lack of public service experience and vowing to challenge any unlawful terminations resulting from the new policy. The productivity initiative is part of the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency's ongoing efforts to reduce perceived waste in federal spending.
Elon Musk arrives on Capitol Hill. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
