Federal workers across the country are now facing an unexpected challenge that’s sparking widespread conversation.
A recent directive is shaking up the routine: employees have been asked to send a brief summary of what they accomplished last week.
This move, backed by tech leader Elon Musk, has stirred both support and controversy at the highest levels.
Trump Applauds an Unconventional Plan
During a recent White House meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, President Donald Trump praised the idea, calling it “ingenious.”
He explained that the plan is designed to reveal who is truly contributing to government work.
“We’re sending a letter asking, ‘What did you do last week?’ and if you don’t reply, it might mean you aren’t actually there,” Trump said.
He even hinted that failing to respond could lead to termination, echoing Musk’s own stern warning on his social platform.
The Directive: Five Bullet Points of Accomplishment
Late Saturday, an email from the Office of Personnel Management began appearing in the inboxes of millions of federal employees.
The message requested that each employee reply with about five bullet points summarizing their accomplishments from the previous week, while copying in their manager.
Although the email itself didn’t mention firing, Musk’s post made it clear: a lack of response could be treated as a resignation.
Internal Resistance and Mixed Messages
The new directive has not gone over well with everyone.
Some top officials, including the newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel, have instructed their teams to hold off on responding.
Agencies like the State Department, Department of Defense, and National Security Agency have also cautioned their staff to wait for further clarification.
One Pentagon official even described the idea as “the silliest thing I’ve seen in 40 years,” arguing that it bypasses the traditional chain of command.
Linking Accountability to Broader Government Reform
President Trump tied this move to a larger plan for government efficiency.
He mentioned an upcoming visit to Fort Knox to verify the nation’s gold reserves, hinting that mismanagement and fraud might be far more extensive than expected.
“Are we paying people who aren’t working? Where’s the money going?” Trump asked, claiming that hundreds of billions in fraudulent spending might be uncovered.
Despite these dramatic claims, there is no evidence that the gold stored at Fort Knox has ever been missing.
Political Backlash and Calls for Clarity
The directive has sparked political debate as well.
Representative Gerry Connolly, a leading Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, urged the OPM to clearly state that not replying wouldn’t automatically equate to resignation.
Connolly criticized the measure as “illegal, reckless, and yet another example of the arbitrary chaos” being imposed on hardworking public servants.
Exceptions for Sensitive Work
While the directive is sweeping, Trump did note that there would be exceptions for certain cases.
For agencies handling sensitive or classified information, such as the State Department and the FBI, the directive might not apply in the same way.
“It was all done in a friendly manner—only for those with highly confidential projects do we need to be a bit cautious,” Trump explained, suggesting that the overall idea remains sound.
What’s Next?
As federal employees assess this new directive, uncertainty lingers about its implementation and long-term effects.
With agency leaders advising caution and high-level debates underway, the initiative marks just the beginning of a broader discussion on accountability and efficiency within government.
The coming days will reveal how this plan unfolds and what it means for the future of federal employment.