In a transfer that marks the symbolic finish of Elon Musk’s short-lived however extremely disruptive tenure as head of the Division of Authorities Effectivity (DOGE), the Pentagon has formally halted the weekly e mail directive that required federal employees to submit an inventory of 5 work-related accomplishments. The coverage, initiated underneath Musk’s controversial management, was extensively criticized by civilian workers and lawmakers alike, drawing fireplace for its tone, implications, and lack of practicality.The emails, bluntly titled “What did you do final week?”, had been rolled out throughout the US federal workforce in March 2025, simply weeks after Musk was appointed to the newly fashioned DOGE by President Donald Trump. What started as a Musk-style company tactic to observe productiveness rapidly escalated right into a bureaucratic flashpoint. With over 2.3 million authorities workers receiving the mandate, the measure sparked confusion, anxiousness, and political backlash—notably when Musk warned on social media that failing to reply can be thought of a de facto resignation.Now, with Musk getting ready to depart his submit, the Pentagon is pivoting away from the “5 bullet” efficiency experiences. As a substitute, workers are being requested to contribute one concept to enhance effectivity or eradicate waste, encouraging a extra collaborative and fewer punitive strategy. The shift is being seen as each an administrative reset and a political distancing from Musk’s affect within the federal equipment.
How Elon Musk’s weekly ‘What did you do final week’ e mail despatched federal workers into frenzy
In February 2025, shortly after the Division of Authorities Effectivity was introduced as a part of President Trump’s second-term initiative to chop federal spending, Elon Musk was tapped to guide the cost. Recognized for his unorthodox management at Tesla and SpaceX, Musk wasted no time making use of a Silicon Valley-style administration method to Washington.On February 22, 2025, Musk posted on X (previously Twitter):“In keeping with President @realDonaldTrump’s directions, all federal workers will shortly obtain an e mail requesting to grasp what they acquired finished final week. Failure to reply will probably be taken as a resignation.”That assertion despatched shockwaves by way of federal companies. Though initially dismissed as hyperbole, it was quickly adopted by official memos directing workers to submit weekly updates with 5 “bullet factors” outlining their accomplishments. The directive was rolled out by way of the Workplace of Personnel Administration and reached departments as diversified as Protection, Veterans Affairs, and Power.
Backlash from inside and past the Pentagon
Regardless of the directive’s objective of enhancing transparency and accountability, it confronted swift resistance. Civilian workers—many with army backgrounds or years of public service—expressed frustration over what they seen as a demeaning train.Congressman Joe Courtney, rating Democrat on the Home Armed Companies Committee, was notably vocal. In an interview, he acknowledged:“For months, devoted Protection Division civilians obtained Elon Musk’s insulting ‘5 issues’ emails. Many of those folks served within the army, are extremely skilled and skilled, and are doing this job as a result of they really care concerning the mission.”Inside communications throughout the Division of Protection initially suggested workers to disregard the emails, however by late March, Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth had reversed course, issuing his personal memo requiring weekly experiences. He warned that “non-compliance might result in additional overview,” additional escalating tensions.
Pentagon ends Elon Musk’s weekly e mail coverage, requires concepts to chop waste
On Could 29, 2025, the Pentagon formally scrapped the coverage. Appearing Underneath Secretary of Protection for Personnel and Readiness, Jules Hurst, despatched out an e mail thanking workers for his or her participation and asserting a remaining request:“To conclude the ‘5 bullet’ train, we want one final enter from you… Please submit one concept that can enhance the Division’s effectivity or root out waste.”The directive, whereas ending one controversial follow, hinted at a want to keep up momentum in reforming bloated or inefficient programs—this time, by inviting worker creativity moderately than mandating efficiency summaries.Based on Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, the now-discontinued emails had offered “insights into their workers’ contributions, fostered accountability, and helped to establish alternatives for larger effectivity.” Nonetheless, he added that the division stays dedicated to “driving significant change” with out counting on burdensome oversight ways.
Elon Musk’s exit and reflections on his federal tenure
Elon Musk’s time in Washington was transient however intensely scrutinized. Although technically a particular authorities worker, Musk introduced outsized consideration to DOGE and stirred controversy by way of a mix of blunt rhetoric, sweeping coverage concepts, and his high-profile alignment with the Trump administration.On the identical day the Pentagon ended the e-mail directive, Musk confirmed by way of X that his function within the federal authorities was drawing to an in depth. He thanked President Trump for the chance and expressed disappointment within the restricted fiscal affect DOGE had achieved.“The @DOGE mission will solely strengthen over time because it turns into a lifestyle all through the federal government,” Musk posted.Nonetheless, he additionally criticized the dearth of concrete finances cuts in what he described because the “massive, stunning invoice” endorsed by the administration, signaling a rift between his expectations and the political realities of Washington.
What comes subsequent for DOGE and authorities effectivity
With Musk stepping down, the way forward for the Division of Authorities Effectivity stays unsure. Whereas the Trump administration insists DOGE will stay operational, the departure of its flagship determine—and the general public disapproval of a few of its strategies—has raised questions concerning the division’s long-term viability.For now, Protection Secretary Hegseth seems to be redirecting the effectivity marketing campaign towards extra typical and collaborative strategies. By soliciting worker concepts to cut back waste, the division hopes to retain the unique spirit of reform with out the heavy-handed ways related to Musk.The deadline for employees to submit their effectivity proposals was noon Wednesday, although the Pentagon has not disclosed what concepts have been submitted or whether or not any will probably be applied.