In a move aimed at increasing accountability within the federal workforce, Elon Musk, appointed by President Donald Trump to head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), issued a directive requiring all federal employees to provide a five-point summary of their weekly accomplishments. The mandate, communicated via email from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), stipulated that employees must comply by 11:59 PM on Monday or be presumed to have resigned.

The announcement has led to widespread confusion and resistance among federal agencies. Key departments, including the FBI, State Department, and Department of Defense, have instructed their employees to disregard the directive. FBI Director Kash Patel explicitly told his staff not to comply, reflecting concerns over the legitimacy and security implications of the mandate. Similarly, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest federal workers' union, criticized the directive as "cruel and disrespectful," questioning DOGE's authority to enforce such a requirement.

The directive has also drawn criticism from lawmakers. Senator Tina Smith described the move as "out-of-line," emphasizing the undue pressure it places on federal employees. In response to the backlash, President Trump posted a meme on social media, seemingly mocking the outrage by listing exaggerated responses such as "Cried about Trump" and "Cried about Elon."

Management experts are divided on the effectiveness of Musk's approach. Some argue that regular reporting can enhance transparency and efficiency, while others contend that such tactics may harm morale and foster a culture of fear rather than innovation. The situation remains fluid, with potential legal challenges looming as agencies and employees navigate the controversial directive.