Musk’s OPM email: Midnight deadline nears amid widespread confusion
The deadline given to federal employees by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Elon Musk over the weekend is quickly approaching, but widespread confusion remains as agencies tell workers they may not have to reply.
The email instructed federal workers to respond to OPM’s request by 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday and outline what they accomplished over the last week in approximately five bullet points.
Leaders of various agencies said their employees don’t have to comply with the request, while some told their staff they should, setting the stage for a rift between President Trump’s top allies and major confusion for workers.
In a post Saturday, Musk said failure to respond to the email would be “taken as a resignation.” He defended the email amid blowback and praised those who gave “good responses.” By knowing what employees accomplish, the administration will be able to spot “outright fraud,” he argued.
The Department of Defense said it was responsible for reviewing employee performance and it would coordinate responses to the OPM email, asking workers to pause a response.
Similarly, FBI Director Kash Patel told employees to not respond to the email and said the bureau would be handling the response.
The State Department also reportedly instructed its employees to not respond. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told the intelligence community that staff should not respond given the sensitive nature of their work.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leadership sent an email to its more than 250,000 employees likewise directing them not to respond to the email.
"DHS management will respond on behalf of the Department and all its component offices," the Sunday email said. "No reporting action from you is needed at this time."
Staff at the Department of Justice (DOJ) were also told on Monday they would not have to respond to the request, with leaders citing the "confidential and sensitive nature" of the DOJ's work.
Not all agencies told their workers to not comply with the request, though.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wrote a list of five bullet points of things he did last week in a post on X. Duffy and the department instructed employees to reply to the email.
"If you can't come up with five things that you did, maybe you shouldn't be employed here, so again, this is an easy task," Duffy said on Fox News on Monday.
A Saturday email to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said the email from OPM was “legitimate” and told employees to respond by the deadline.
However, on Sunday, employees were notified that the department was working with OPM officials on how best to “meet the intent” of the request while respecting the sensitivity of the department’s work.
“Employees are therefore directed to ‘pause’ activities in answering the OPM email,” the department told employees in an email obtained by The Hill.
HHS employees were told they would be receiving more guidance around noon EST Monday, just 12 hours before the 11:59 p.m. deadline.
Musk has doubled down on his request, even though Trump has largely stayed quiet.
On Saturday morning, Trump praised Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency, saying he is doing a “great job,” but would like to see him “get more aggressive.”
Musk’s post on X about OPM’s email request came just hours later.
A Trump administration official told The Hill that there are no plans to extend or cancel the 11:59 p.m. deadline.
Rebecca Beitsch and Alex Gangitano contributed.
-
Trump 2nd term live updates: Trump defends Musk's 'pretty ingenious' OPM email
"If we're smart," he said, in the Oval Office with French President Macron.ABC News - 37m -
DOGE Email Throws Federal Agencies Into Chaos and Confusion
Across the US government, workers failed to get clear guidance on whether or how to respond to an email asking what they did this week, despite Elon Musk’s claim that their jobs are at risk.Wired - 1d -
Murkowski knocks Musk over ‘absurd weekend email’
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) slammed Elon Musk over an “absurd weekend email” sent to federal employees requiring they send the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) a list of what they ...The Hill - 21h -
Trump defends Musk’s ‘genius’ email to federal workers
President Trump on Monday defended tech billionaire Elon Musk after pushback over his email demanding federal workers list five accomplishments from the past week and in doing so, raising the of ...The Hill - 1h -
Elon Musk Tells Federal Workers to Detail Work in an Email or Lose Their Jobs
Elon Musk has drawn inspiration from his 2022 takeover of Twitter with the tactic. His threat on social media of termination did not appear in an email to federal workers requesting the work ...The New York Times - 1d -
Some agencies tell employees to hold off responding to latest Musk email
Multiple federal agencies appeared to be caught off guard by the Elon Musk-directed email from the Office of Personnel Management.ABC News - 1d -
Musk says federal worker email meant to spot 'outright fraud'
Tech billionaire Elon Musk said Sunday the email to federal employees asking them to report back on their weekly accomplishments is meant to spot “outright fraud” from people on the payroll who ...The Hill - 1d -
'Ultimate d‑‑‑ boss move': Democratic senator rips Musk email
Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) slammed tech billionaire Elon Musk over an email sent to federal employees requesting information on “what you accomplished last week.” “This is the ultimate d‑‑‑ boss ...The Hill - 1d -
Agencies push back on Musk email, including FBI, Pentagon, State, Intel
Several federal agencies have advised employees not to respond to Elon Musk’s email demanding federal workers list five accomplishments from the past week or risk losing their jobs. The email ...The Hill - 22h -
Some Agencies Urge Staff Not to Comply With Elon Musk’s Performance Email
The F.B.I. director, Kash Patel, the director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, and others told employees not to respond to a directive from Mr. Musk to summarize their accomplishments.The New York Times - 19h -
Federal employees suing Elon Musk over tasks email
Federal employees are suing Elon Musk after receiving an email that the Trump ally touted on social media. The lawsuit surrounds an email demanding a list of tasks done throughout the week or risk ...CBS News - 1h -
Elon Musk Threatens FBI Agents and Air Traffic Controllers With Forced Resignation if They Don't Respond to an Email
Employees throughout the federal government have until 11:59 pm ET Monday to detail five things they accomplished in the last week.Wired - 1d -
Elon Musk’s Email Ultimatum For Federal Employees Is The 1 Thing No Leader Should Ever Do
Musk says employees will lose their jobs if they don’t explain what they do.Inc. - 19h -
Key US agencies tell staff not to answer Musk email on what they did last week
Some departments encouraged staff to respond, while others requested employees wait for further guidance.BBC News - 17h -
Some Trump officials are opposing Musk's email request demanding list of tasks done
Some Trump-appointed officials have instructed their employees not to reply to an email that Elon Musk touted on social media. The request came from the Office of Personnel Management and demanded ...CBS News - 3h -
Trump calls Elon Musk's email ultimatum 'genius' as federal workers and some agencies push back
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday embraced Elon Musk's ultimatum demanding that federal workers report what they had accomplished last week or lose their jobs, a directive facing ...NBC News - 2h -
Live updates: Trump suggests Ukraine mineral deal is close; praises Musk 'genius' email
President Trump hosts French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday at the White House, a meeting that comes on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and amid fraying ties between ...The Hill - 19m -
GOP senator praises Elon Musk as the ‘United States’ consultant’ amid federal cuts
In an exclusive interview with Meet the Press, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) defends President Trump and Elon Musk's cuts to federal agencies amid backlash from Oklahoma voters.NBC News - 1d -
Germany election: Merz says it’s ‘five to midnight’ for Europe
Leader of victorious conservative alliance says continent must build defence capability as US moves towards ‘America alone’ motto. The man expected to be Germany’s next chancellor has said Europe ...The Guardian - 38m -
Confusion, fear at the Justice Department under Trump
The Department of Justice is in upheaval from firings and resignations in the first weeks of the Trump administration. Fear has silenced many in the department, but two prosecutors are speaking up.CBS News - 20h -
Germany: Merz says it’s ‘five to midnight’ for Europe and calls for unity – live
Most likely next German chancellor warns against rise of far right and says he intends to form new government by Easter. German election 2025: results in full Guten Morgen aus Berlin, . In ...The Guardian - 6h -
Judge blocks DOE, OPM from disclosing troves of sensitive personal data to DOGE
A federal judge on Monday temporarily barred the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing troves of sensitive personal data from federal agencies. U.S. District Judge Deborah ...The Hill - 5h -
FinCEN Sets New Deadline and Teases Future Leniency With CTA
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network also dangled a carrot in front of smaller enterprises.Inc. - 4d -
5 Rangers who could be moved ahead of 2025 NHL trade deadline
Here are five players to keep an eye on if the Rangers decide to sell ahead of the NHL trade deadline...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Sweeney gives update on Bruins' trade deadline plans, Lindholm injury
The latest update on injured defenseman Hampus Lindholm and the Bruins' trade deadline plans won't excite fans.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Federal workers face Monday night deadline to justify their jobs
Elon Musk sent an ultimatum to federal workers: explain what you accomplished at work last week or resign. But it appears not all agencies want their staff to respond. NBC News’ Yamiche Alcindor ...NBC News - 18h -
Report: Draymond had blunt trade deadline request for Warriors
Draymond Green reportedly had a blunt request for the Golden State Warriors' front office prior to the NBA trade deadline.Yahoo Sports - 10h -
Super Micro expected to meet a key deadline, but other hurdles remain
The server maker still faces government investigations and needs to bolster its management ranks.MarketWatch - 2h -
Balatro's Confusing Rating Finally Changed, Leads To Europe Changing How It Rates Gambling Games
The PEGI board has announced that it has reversed its decision to classify Balatro with a PEGI 18 rating and will instead have a PEGI 12 rating. The game has a E10+ rating in North America, making ...GameSpot - 3h -
Ariel Atkins trade grades: Sky make another confusing decision, Mystics stock up for rebuild
The Sky traded the No. 3 overall pick and a 2027 first-round pick swap for AtkinsCBS Sports - 3h -
Monday Briefing: Conservatives Near Victory in Germany
Plus, a pharaoh’s tomb was unearthed.The New York Times - 23h -
Treasury sets March 21 deadline for millions of businesses to report ownership information or risk fines of $10,000 or more
The Treasury Department set a March 21 deadline to report "beneficial ownership information" after a Texas court lifted a block on enforcement.CNBC - 4d -
Hurricanes Reportedly Offered Rantanen 'Nine Digit' Deal, Will He Be In Carolina After NHL Trade Deadline
A Sportsnet report Saturday night indicated that Carolina Hurricanes right winger, Mikko Rantanen, was considering a massive contract extension offer from the team – specifically, a financial ...Yahoo Sports - 22h -
Planes diverted as China conducts rare military drill near Australia
China's naval exercise in the Tasman Sea has put Australia and New Zealand on alert, with Canberra calling it "unusual".BBC News - 3d -
Texas measles outbreak nears 100 cases: "This is the tip of the iceberg"
Health officials say a measles outbreak in West Texas is growing because of low vaccine rates and undetected infections.CBS News - 3d -
Walmart’s stock continues to drop despite ‘near-term buying opportunity’
Walmart Inc.’s stock deepened its losses on Friday after a brutal selloff in the previous session, as investors brushed aside positive comments from analysts.MarketWatch - 3d -
Ex-Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio arrested near Capitol
Enrique Tarrio, the former national chairman of the Proud Boys, was arrested by U.S. Capitol Police on Friday following a press conference with other Proud Boys members and Oath Keepers’ founder ...The Hill - 3d -
Ex-Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio arrested near U.S. Capitol
The alleged incident occurred at a gathering Enrique Tarrio was taking part in with other members of the Proud Boys, along with Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes.CBS News - 2d -
£3,000 rents cause housing fears near nuclear plant
Residents living near a nuclear power plant have seen rents double to £3,000 a month.BBC News - 2d
More from The Hill
-
Live updates: Trump suggests Ukraine mineral deal is close; praises Musk 'genius' email
President Trump hosts French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday at the White House, a meeting that comes on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and amid fraying ties between ...The Hill - 19m -
SEC ends investigation into Robinhood's crypto arm
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has closed its investigation into the cryptocurrency arm of Robinhood without taking action against the online brokerage, the company announced Monday. ...The Hill - 20m -
Johnson makes 'prayer request' ahead of critical vote on Trump agenda bill
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) asked for prayers as he prepares to bring the House’s budget reconciliation resolution, the vehicle for President Trump’s ambitious legislative agenda, for a floor vote ...The Hill - 24m -
Nearly 200K sign petition to revoke Musk's Canadian citizenship
Thousands of individuals have signed an online petition urging the revocation of tech billionaire Elon Musk's Canadian citizenship over his involvement in the Trump administration, which the ...The Hill - 28m -
Xi says China, Russia true friends as Trump pursues Putin talks
Chinese leader Xi Jinping says China and Russia are true friends after speaking on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Xi reportedly said history and reality show the two countries are ...The Hill - 35m
More in Politics
-
Live updates: Trump suggests Ukraine mineral deal is close; praises Musk 'genius' email
President Trump hosts French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday at the White House, a meeting that comes on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and amid fraying ties between ...The Hill - 19m -
SEC ends investigation into Robinhood's crypto arm
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has closed its investigation into the cryptocurrency arm of Robinhood without taking action against the online brokerage, the company announced Monday. ...The Hill - 20m -
Johnson makes 'prayer request' ahead of critical vote on Trump agenda bill
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) asked for prayers as he prepares to bring the House’s budget reconciliation resolution, the vehicle for President Trump’s ambitious legislative agenda, for a floor vote ...The Hill - 24m -
Nearly 200K sign petition to revoke Musk's Canadian citizenship
Thousands of individuals have signed an online petition urging the revocation of tech billionaire Elon Musk's Canadian citizenship over his involvement in the Trump administration, which the ...The Hill - 28m -
Xi says China, Russia true friends as Trump pursues Putin talks
Chinese leader Xi Jinping says China and Russia are true friends after speaking on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Xi reportedly said history and reality show the two countries are ...The Hill - 35m