OPM Declares Musk's Email to Federal Workers Voluntary

A weekend of confusion erupted among federal employees after Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, ordered them to submit a list of their weekly accomplishments or face termination. In response to the backlash, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) clarified that compliance with this request is voluntary and that non-response will not be viewed as a resignation. Various federal agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, instructed their employees not to comply, while some, like the IRS, directed their workers to respond. Despite Musk's insistence on the necessity of the report, President Trump indicated that there was 'genius' in the proposal but also suggested that employees who do not respond may be 'sort of semi-fired.' The situation highlighted a turf battle between Musk's directives and agency leaders, culminating in a lawsuit filed by unions to protect employee rights. Ultimately, OPM's guidance aimed to mitigate the disruption caused by Musk's ultimatum.