In a move that has sparked both backlash and controversy, Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has mandated that all federal employees submit a summary of their weekly accomplishments or face potential resignation. The directive, disseminated via the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), requires employees to respond by midnight on Monday.

Musk emphasized the importance of this measure on his social media platform, X, stating that non-compliance would be interpreted as a resignation.

According to TIME, the email, titled "What did you do last week?", was sent to various departments, including the FBI, State Department, and Environmental Protection Agency, in accordance with President Donald Trump's agenda to downsize the federal government.

However, the directive has faced substantial backlash from unions and advocacy groups. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), condemned the move, calling it "cruel and disrespectful" to dedicated civil servants.

Similarly, Doreen Greenwald, president of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), denounced the email as "completely un-American" and vowed to challenge any unlawful terminations.

Moreover, the directive has also led to confusion within federal agencies. The Guardian reports that FBI Director Kash Patel instructed his staff to disregard the email, emphasizing that the FBI would conduct its reviews according to internal procedures. This sentiment was echoed by other agencies, with some advising employees to await further guidance before responding.

Market analysts and the public have expressed mixed reactions to Musk's approach. Supporters argue that the measure could enhance accountability and efficiency within the federal workforce. Critics, however, contend that it undermines employee morale and could lead to unjust terminations. The American Federation of Government Employees has vowed to challenge any unlawful dismissals resulting from this directive.

Elon Musk's recent mandate for federal employees to justify their weekly work has ignited a heated debate over governmental efficiency, employee rights, and administrative authority. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how this policy will impact the federal workforce and public perception of governmental operations.