Musk Ramps Up ‘Aggression’, Says Federal Workers Must Prove Their Worth or Step Down

New Delhi, India: Since his appointment as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has overseen the elimination of thousands of federal jobs, the controversy deepened this weekend after Musk announced a new directive requiring federal employees to submit a report detailing their accomplishments from the previous week or resign. The announcement came just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump lauded Musk’s performance, urging him to be even more “aggressive” in his approach. 

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Musk, appearing to act on that endorsement, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that federal employees would soon receive an email instructing them to justify their roles by detailing their work from the previous week. 

"Consistent with the President's instructions, all federal employees will shortly receive an email requesting to understand what they got done last week. Failure to respond will be taken as a resignation," Musk said in a post on X.

In the latest wave of federal job cuts, the U.S. Defense Department has been directed to reduce its civilian workforce by at least five percent, starting next week. The move, announced Friday, is part of a broader effort to trim government spending under the leadership of Elon Musk.  

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Trump Administration Fires Probationary Federal Employees

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has already begun terminating federal workers still in their probationary period.

Musk Appointed to Lead DOGE in Cost-Cutting Mission

President Trump appointed Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a newly empowered agency tasked with slashing public spending and addressing alleged waste and corruption. 

Trump Urges Musk to Be ‘More Aggressive’

Musk’s latest directive requiring federal employees to justify their work or resign comes after Trump publicly encouraged him to take even bolder action. 

Trump praised Musk’s work but urged him to be "more aggressive," writing in all caps:  

"Elon is doing a great job, but I would like to see him get more aggressive. Remember, we have a country to save, but ultimately, to make greater than ever before. MAGA!"