Janice R. Andrews
WASHINGTON – Elon Musk’s demand that federal employees document their achievements or face dismissal has created significant tension between the White House and his government efficiency team, DOGE. The mandate, affecting 2.3 million civil servants, surprised senior White House officials despite previous commitments to coordination.
The directive came from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) following President Trump’s social media call for Musk to take more aggressive action. This has triggered conflicts within the administration, particularly after White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles had specifically requested Musk provide advance notice of his plans.
Although Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claims the administration was properly informed, sources reveal key officials were caught unprepared. Musk, exercising growing independence in government personnel decisions, asserts Trump approved the action, though the president later characterized compliance as “somewhat voluntary.”
Federal agencies have begun resisting the directive, with some instructing employees to disregard it. Cabinet members have expressed alarm about Musk’s extensive influence over workforce reductions, as DOGE’s efficiency measures have already eliminated over 100,000 government positions.
Legal challenges against DOGE are increasing, questioning both its authority and Musk’s role in government restructuring. Nevertheless, Trump continues to back Musk’s involvement, suggesting ongoing disruption to federal workforce policies.
