In a recent development, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed all civilian employees of the Department of Defense (DoD) to comply with Elon Musk’s initiative requesting federal workers to outline their weekly accomplishments. This directive marks a reversal from earlier guidance advising staff to disregard the request due to security concerns.
Initially, Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), sent emails to federal employees demanding a five-point summary of their weekly work. The unconventional nature of these emails, originating from non-secure accounts, led agencies like the FBI, State Department, and Pentagon to caution their employees against responding, citing potential security risks and breaches of protocol.
However, in a memo dated March 3, Secretary Hegseth instructed all DoD civilian personnel to submit their weekly achievements, emphasizing the exclusion of classified or sensitive information. He stated that these submissions would be incorporated into supervisors’ weekly reports and warned that non-compliance could lead to further review. Employees unable to access email due to valid reasons were given a 48-hour window upon regaining access to comply.
This move aligns with President Donald Trump’s administration’s broader efforts to streamline government operations and reduce inefficiencies. The initiative has been met with mixed reactions; supporters argue it promotes accountability, while critics express concerns over potential risks to national security and the bypassing of established chains of command.
Elon Musk has reiterated the importance of this initiative, stating that failure to respond would be considered a resignation. Despite a federal judge’s ruling deeming the emails illegal and ordering them to be rescinded, the administration continues to enforce compliance, highlighting the ongoing tension between efficiency efforts and legal challenges.
As the situation evolves, federal employees and agencies are navigating the complexities of adhering to new directives while ensuring adherence to security protocols and legal frameworks.