NASA and other federal agencies have criticized Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) program, advising staff to hold off on responding to Musk’s order requiring weekly successes.
Several US government institutions, including NASA, have strongly opposed Elon Musk’s plan to streamline federal employee accountability through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Concerned about compliance, the possibility of sensitive material being revealed, and the already tense work atmosphere, management at a number of NASA locations, including Johnson Space Center, Glenn Research Center, and Ames Research Center, told staff to “PAUSE” responding to the email. According to Bloomberg, NASA officials acknowledged they will provide more guidance.
An email sent under Musk’s direction requesting that staff members list their accomplishments from the previous week in five bullet points is at the center of the controversy. For non-compliance, the email threatens resignation.
Musk’s ‘resign or explain’ email triggers federal agency revolt
The FBI, State Department, Defense Department, and Office of National Intelligence were among the other federal institutions that cautioned their employees against making snap decisions. The FBI focused on its internal oversight, while the Defense Department highlighted its own performance assessment processes.
Federal employee unions, particularly the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), have also criticized the action, calling it “irresponsible and sophomoric” and vowing to contest any wrongful terminations, according to the AP report. Musk’s authority was attacked by the AFGE, which called him “unelected and unhinged.”
The new director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel, shared his opinion on Saturday, “the FBI, through the office of the director, is in charge of all our review processes,”.
