On Twitter, Elon Musk gained attention after revealing why all federal workers received an ultimatum email.
Musk’s controversial email sparks debate
Elon Musk recently sent an ultimatum email to all federal workers, causing widespread confusion.
The message demanded employees submit a list of completed tasks or face termination.
Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) task force, said the move aimed to cut inefficiency.
Critics, however, called the email ‘silly’ and an overreach of authority.
The ultimatum: List five tasks or resign
On Saturday, February 22, federal workers received an email requiring them to submit five completed tasks by Monday night. Failure to comply would be considered a resignation.
The sudden demand sent shockwaves through government agencies, with many scrambling to respond.
While, some departments advised staff to ignore the directive, citing chain-of-command concerns.
Official response to Musk’s demand
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) confirmed the email’s legitimacy. However, some government leaders dismissed it.
A Pentagon official reportedly told CNN it was “the silliest thing I’ve seen in 40 years.” Others claimed it disrupted standard government protocols.
Despite opposition, Musk claimed to have received a “large number of good responses.” He suggested those who complied would be considered for promotions.
Musk explains his reasoning
Musk took to Twitter to justify his decision. He said the directive aimed to “see who had a pulse and two working neurons.”
He argued that many government employees rarely check emails, making this an efficiency test.
Addtitionally, he warned that those ignoring the directive would soon face reality.
He wrote: “This was basically a check to see if the employee had a pulse and was capable of replying to an email.
“Lot of people in for a rude awakening and strong dose of reality. They don’t get it yet, but they will,” Musk added.
High-ranking officials push back
Several government leaders advised employees to disregard Musk’s email.
Additionally, FBI Director Kash Patel told his team to “pause any responses.” Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard also warned staff not to comply. She cited security concerns due to the classified nature of intelligence work.
Paterl’s message read: “FBI personnel may have received an email from OMP requesting information,. The FBI, through the Office of the Director, is in charge of all our review processes, and will conduct reviews in accordance with FBI procedures.”
” For now, please pause any responses.”
Other leaders, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, instructed workers to ignore the request.
Despite resistance, Musk remained firm. He stated that anyone who resisted the initiative “needs to look for a new job.”
DOGE has reportedly saved $55 billion through cost-cutting measures. These include canceling contracts, selling assets, and detecting fraud in various departments.
The email controversy raises questions about Musk’s role in government and his approach to leadership. Whether his efficiency push will succeed remains to be seen.