In a move that has reverberated across the federal workforce, President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have jointly issued a groundbreaking ultimatum to all federal employees. Reports indicate that an email titled “What did you do last week?” has been distributed to every federal worker, demanding that they submit a concise report detailing their accomplishments from the previous workweek—or face the assumption that they have resigned.
A Bold Step Toward Government Efficiency?
The email, sent on Saturday, February 22, lays out clear and direct instructions: federal employees must respond with roughly five bullet points summarizing their work over the past week. Recipients are instructed to cc their direct managers in their replies, and the message explicitly prohibits the inclusion of classified information, links, or attachments. The deadline for submission is set for 11:59 PM EST on Monday, leaving little room for delay.
Elon Musk took to Twitter to provide additional context, posting:
“Consistent with President @realDonaldTrump’s instructions, all federal employees will shortly receive an email requesting to understand what they got done last week. Failure to respond will be taken as a resignation.”
This directive is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to overhaul federal operations and address what they view as systemic inefficiencies within the government. Spearheaded by the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a body partially led by Musk, who has been appointed as a “special government employee”—the initiative aims to dismantle bureaucratic red tape, eliminate redundant regulations, and curb wasteful spending across federal agencies.
A Paradigm Shift in Federal Accountability
The announcement has sparked widespread debate, with some applauding the move as a bold step toward greater accountability and productivity within the federal workforce. Proponents argue that the requirement to document weekly achievements will encourage employees to focus on measurable outcomes and foster a culture of transparency. Others, however, have raised concerns about the potential for increased pressure on workers and the implications of such a rigid approach to performance evaluation.
The collaboration between Trump and Musk, two figures known for their unconventional leadership styles, has added an extra layer of intrigue to the development. Musk’s involvement, in particular, signals a merging of private-sector innovation with public-sector reform, as the administration seeks to apply principles of corporate efficiency to government operations.
The Broader Implications
The creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) marks a significant shift in the administration’s approach to governance. By targeting bureaucratic inefficiencies and emphasizing accountability, the initiative reflects a broader ambition to reshape the federal government into a leaner, more results-driven entity. However, the ultimatum’s strict deadline and the potential consequences for non-compliance have left many federal employees feeling unsettled, raising questions about the long-term impact on morale and workplace culture.
As the deadline looms, all eyes are on how federal workers will respond—and how this unprecedented directive will shape the future of government operations. Whether this move will be remembered as a groundbreaking step toward efficiency or a controversial overreach remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the federal workforce is entering uncharted territory, and the ripple effects of this decision will be felt for years to come.