Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency, has issued a directive requiring federal employees to submit a list of their accomplishments from the previous week or face termination. This mandate has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with Democratic lawmakers, unions, and federal workers expressing outrage and advocating for defiance.

Illinois Representative Sean Casten called for "mass civil disobedience" on X (formerly Twitter), asserting that Musk lacks the authority to impose such a requirement. Senator Tina Smith also took to X, criticizing Musk's directive as a "d–k boss move" and expressing solidarity with federal workers.

Musk, appointed by President Trump, defended the directive, stating it would take less than five minutes to complete and emphasizing a low bar for acceptable responses. He later clarified its purpose, alleging a significant number of federal employees are doing so little work that they aren't even checking their email, and hinting at potential fraud involving nonexistent or deceased individuals collecting paychecks.

The Office of Personnel Management sent emails outlining the directive, giving employees until 11:59 pm on Monday to comply. However, unions like the National Treasury Employees Union are advising their members, including FDA employees, to disregard the order, arguing they are employed by their respective agencies, not the OPM. The national president of the American Federation of Government Employees, Everett Kelley, condemned Musk and the Trump administration for their "disdain" for federal employees and vowed to challenge any unlawful terminations.

Elon Musk walks to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building near the White House. (Getty Images)

Demonstrators protest against Elon Musk in Seattle. (David Ryder/Getty Images)

Demonstrators gather for the "No Kings on President's Day" protest in Washington, D.C. (Deirdre Heavey/Fox News Digital)

Elon Musk speaks during an event with President Donald Trump at the White House. (AP Images/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump addresses the Conservative Political Action Conference. (Reuters/Brian Snyder)

Several government agencies, including the FBI, State Department, and NSA, have instructed their employees to hold off on responding to Musk's directive pending further internal guidance.

President Trump, speaking at CPAC, praised Musk's efforts at the Department of Government Efficiency in combating government waste, fraud, and abuse. He also reiterated his administration's commitment to removing "corrupt" and "incompetent" federal employees.