Tensions Rise Between Musk and White House Over Federal Workers' Ultimatum

In a recent development, U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is facing increased tensions following an ultimatum issued by billionaire Elon Musk to federal employees. Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency, has instructed civil servants to submit a list of their accomplishments, warning that failure to do so could result in job loss. This directive has raised alarms across various sectors of the government.

Initially, the White House had been optimistic about improved coordination with Musk, especially after internal concerns regarding the operations of his department surfaced. Chief of Staff Susie Wiles had previously requested Musk to keep her apprised of his plans to avoid unexpected disruptions. Following this conversation, Musk began updating Wiles on DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) activities on a daily basis.

However, the situation escalated when the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent an email to approximately 2.3 million federal workers, mandating them to detail their workplace achievements. This email coincided with Musk's statement on social media, indicating that non-responses would be interpreted as resignations, catching many in Washington off guard.

Sources indicate that neither Trump nor Wiles authorized the email, leading to confusion and frustration within the White House. Musk claimed during a cabinet meeting that he had received approval from Trump for the mass communication, which has since been contested by White House officials.

In response to inquiries, the White House press secretary refuted claims that the administration was caught unprepared, asserting that Trump had approved the initiative and that Musk had informed the White House ahead of time. She criticized media narratives suggesting discord between the President and Musk, defending their collaborative efforts.

The email's content has revealed significant rifts between Musk and senior White House staff, especially as he has taken considerable liberties in his role. Musk's influence within the administration has grown since he played a substantial role in Trump's election campaign, advocating for his preferred cabinet candidates.

Despite this, there is growing discontent among White House personnel regarding Musk's unilateral decisions and the impact of his staff, primarily composed of his former employees, on federal operations. Reports indicate that at least two cabinet members have voiced their concerns about Musk's approach, fearing that the drastic cuts to federal staffing could undermine their departments.

As the Trump administration prepares for further large-scale reductions in workforce--having already seen about 100,000 employees either leave or be laid off--questions surrounding Musk's authority and the operations of DOGE persist. Legal actions have been initiated to challenge Musk's access to government systems, citing potential violations of constitutional provisions related to the appointment of government officials.

While the tension continues, Trump has publicly supported Musk, maintaining a stance of allowing him the freedom to operate as he sees fit. In a recent statement, Trump characterized the email as somewhat voluntary, implying that non-compliance could result in termination.

As the situation develops, some agencies have advised employees to disregard the ultimatum email, highlighting the pushback against Musk's directives. The ongoing conflict underscores the complex dynamics within the Trump administration as it navigates the challenges of governance and the influence of powerful private-sector figures.