Elon Musk's Bold Move: Federal Employees Must Justify Their Jobs or Face Dismissal

Musk's Ultimatum to Federal Employees

Elon Musk, the billionaire and advisor to US President Donald Trump, has issued a stern warning to all US federal employees. In a recent announcement, he stated that employees must provide a detailed account of their workweek or risk losing their jobs.

US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk watch the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket in Brownsville, Texas, US, November 19, 2024. — Reuters

This directive comes as part of a larger initiative to cut government spending and eliminate waste, as emphasized by Trump during his recent remarks. Musk shared this information via a post on X, stating, "Failure to respond will be taken as a resignation."

The Push for Accountability

Musk's communication did not clarify the specifics of the work accounting required or the deadline for submission. However, this measure aligns with Trump's call for more aggressive actions to enhance government efficiency.

— X@elonmusk

As the head of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk is tasked with slashing public spending and addressing issues of waste and corruption. In recent moves, the US Defence Department announced a 5% reduction in its civilian workforce, indicating that cuts are already underway.

Mixed Reactions and Legal Challenges

Musk's aggressive approach has faced backlash and legal challenges, including a recent court ruling that denied a union's attempt to halt the firing of thousands of employees. Despite this, Musk has expressed his commitment to transparency, stating that DOGE's actions will be publicized on its website, ensuring accountability.

— X@elonmusk

Trump has praised Musk in various interviews, calling him a "brilliant" and "honest" businessman, while asserting that he is under close scrutiny to prevent any conflicts of interest.

Musk has also recently made headlines regarding the Ukraine conflict, criticizing President Volodymyr Zelensky and aligning with Trump's views on the matter.