On Monday, U.S. federal government workers were told they could dismiss an email by Elon Musk asking them to give an overview of their weekly output, Reuters reports.
Musk's email requested federal workers to submit a short report on their activities during the previous week by Monday night, threatening that not doing so would lead to termination. The request was criticized, with many perceiving it as an overreach and excessive interference in government affairs.
Musk afterwards derided the scandal, referring to the email as "trivial" and blaming federal workers for not being able to accomplish a simple task. On his social media site X, he posted:
"Email request was completely frivolous, as the pass standard for the test was to type a few words and click send! And so many failed even that ridiculous test, goaded on in some instances by their managers. Ever seen such INCOMPETENCE and DISRESPECT for how YOUR MONEY is being spent? Makes old Twitter seem respectable. Didn't think it was possible."
As per an internal Justice Department memo leaked to Reuters, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (USOPM) told federal agencies' HR offices that Musk's email could be disregarded and that employees would not be fired for not responding. The memo also told staff not to reveal any confidential information if they decided to respond.
But reactions to Musk's email were mixed among agencies. The General Services Administration (GSA), which oversees federal buildings, reportedly urged employees to reply. USOPM itself instructed its employees that responding was voluntary but "strongly encouraged."
Other federal agencies were more conservative. Some told employees to either not reply or keep their responses brief and not give details.
Newly installed FBI Director Kash Patel directed FBI staff to "pause any responses" to the email.
"FBI staff might have received a request for information via email from OPM. The FBI, via the Office of the Director, is responsible for all of our review processes and will perform reviews according to FBI procedures. If and when additional information is needed, we will arrange for responses. Temporarily, please hold off on any responses," Patel wrote.
The Department of Defense also instructed Pentagon employees to ignore the email, reiterating that performance reviews are done internally.
Spokesmen: DoD individuals might have already received an OPM email to provide information. The Department of Defense is concerned with reviewing its personnel's performance and will address any review using its own methods. When and if necessary, the Department shall coordinate responses back to the OPM email with which you are being contacted named 'What did you do last week,' the Pentagon statement had stated.".
The episode has stirred controversy regarding Musk's role in federal operations and his level of influence over government affairs.
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