Musk’s workweek ultimatum triggers national security concerns in Washington: Report

Despite the internal pushback, President Donald Trump has publicly dismissed any concerns, insisting that his Cabinet remains united behind Musk’s initiatives.

Elon Musk, in his official government role, has issued a directive requiring all federal employees to submit weekly summaries of their work or risk termination. The move has triggered widespread unease within government agencies, particularly among officials handling sensitive national security matters, according to a report by New York Times.

Top officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, have expressed concerns about the implications of Musk’s order. While they support broader efforts to reduce government staffing, the NYT report adds, they argue that such a directive could expose classified operations. According to the report, Patel has reportedly instructed the FBI to adhere to its internal protocols rather than comply immediately with Musk’s mandate.

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CIA Director John Ratcliffe and other senior officials have also sought clarification on how to proceed, leading to internal deliberations within the Defense Department and other agencies. Amid uncertainty, some mid-level managers have advised employees to delay compliance, while others have encouraged staff to follow the order to avoid repercussions, the NYT report adds.

Despite the internal pushback, President Donald Trump has publicly dismissed any concerns, insisting that his Cabinet remains united behind Musk’s initiatives. At a recent Cabinet meeting, when asked about dissenting voices, officials hesitated before ultimately applauding Musk, signaling approval under pressure, write NYT.

Musk, defending his decision, stated that the directive is aimed at reducing government inefficiencies and cutting costs. He also noted that Trump personally encouraged the effort.

Musk’s team, operating under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has already taken steps to shut down the US Agency for International Development (USAID), access sensitive Treasury Department files, and push for large-scale government layoffs. Federal employees, particularly those in critical sectors such as defense and healthcare, are increasingly anxious about job security and potential policy shifts.

Adding to the uncertainty, while Musk’s initial directive appeared to be mandatory, subsequent statements suggested that compliance was voluntary. This contradiction has left agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Energy grappling with how to respond. According to the NYT report, some agencies have pushed back, asserting that they will manage internal reviews independently.