Elon Musk’s latest attempt to shake up the federal workforce has met resistance from multiple government agencies. Following FBI Director Kash Patel’s directive to ignore Musk’s demand for weekly productivity reports, several other departments have now advised employees to do the same, escalating tensions within the Trump administration.
Growing Defiance Across Federal Agencies
Federal employees were ordered to submit detailed work reports by Monday night or risk termination, according to an email originating from the Office of Personnel Management. However, in a growing show of defiance, departments including Defense, Homeland Security, Commerce, and Education have advised staff to hold off on complying until further notice.
Other agencies following suit include:
- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Intelligence agencies, which are expected to officially adopt a similar stance soon
A senior executive at the National Centers for Environmental Information described the directive as “unexpected and warranting further validation.” This uncertainty reflects the broader unease gripping Washington as Trump-appointed officials debate the scope of Musk’s authority.
Mass Layoffs Continue as DOGE Reshapes Bureaucracy
Musk, as head of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has spearheaded an aggressive campaign to shrink the federal workforce. Since the start of Trump’s second term, over 20,000 government employees have been laid off, with another 75,000 offered buyouts.
This unprecedented downsizing has already caused disruptions:
- The Department of Defense has been forced to rehire key personnel overseeing nuclear security.
- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s operations are currently suspended.
- The USDA is scrambling to manage the ongoing bird flu outbreak that has driven up egg prices.
Despite these challenges, Musk remains steadfast. “Accountability is the foundation of efficiency,” he posted on X, his social media platform, reiterating his belief that government bloat must be eliminated.
Trump’s Inner Circle Remains Divided
Within the Trump administration, opinions on Musk’s hardline approach are split. FBI Director Kash Patel made it clear that his agency would not bypass traditional review processes in favor of Musk’s directive.
Meanwhile, Ed Martin, Trump’s interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., has voiced strong support for Musk and DOGE’s initiatives. “This government was bloated for decades. Fixing it was never going to be easy,” Martin stated in a recent interview.
While Musk enjoys broad backing from Trump loyalists, the growing resistance from within federal agencies raises questions about the feasibility of his restructuring efforts. Some officials worry that pushing too hard, too fast could lead to a workforce rebellion—or worse, a government shutdown.
What’s Next for Federal Workers?
As tensions mount, government employees are left in limbo. With contradictory messages from their departments and the White House, many are unsure whether to comply with Musk’s directive or await further instructions.
For now, the federal workforce remains caught in a power struggle, one that could determine the future of government efficiency—or chaos—in Trump’s second term.
