Pentagon ends Elon Musk’s weekly ‘What Did You Do?’ emails as DOGE era winds down |

Pentagon ends Elon Musk’s weekly ‘What Did You Do?’ emails as DOGE era winds down

In a transfer that marks the symbolic finish of Elon Musk’s short-lived however extremely disruptive tenure as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the Pentagon has formally halted the weekly electronic mail directive that required federal employees to submit an inventory of 5 work-related accomplishments. The coverage, initiated beneath Musk’s controversial management, was broadly criticized by civilian staff and lawmakers alike, drawing fireplace for its tone, implications, and lack of practicality.The emails, bluntly titled “What did you do last week?”, have been rolled out throughout the US federal workforce in March 2025, simply weeks after Musk was appointed to the newly shaped DOGE by President Donald Trump. What started as a Musk-style company tactic to observe productiveness shortly escalated right into a bureaucratic flashpoint. With over 2.3 million authorities staff receiving the mandate, the measure sparked confusion, nervousness, and political backlash—notably when Musk warned on social media that failing to reply can be thought-about a de facto resignation.Now, with Musk getting ready to depart his publish, the Pentagon is pivoting away from the “five bullet” efficiency stories. In its place, staff are being requested to contribute one thought to enhance effectivity or remove waste, encouraging a extra collaborative and fewer punitive method. 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 last week’ electronic mail despatched federal staff into frenzy

In February 2025, shortly after the Department of Government Efficiency was introduced as a part of President Trump’s second-term initiative to chop federal spending, Elon Musk was tapped to guide the cost. Known for his unorthodox management at Tesla and SpaceX, Musk wasted no time making use of a Silicon Valley-style administration approach to Washington.On February 22, 2025, Musk posted on X (previously Twitter):“Consistent with President @realDonaldTrump’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.”That assertion despatched shockwaves via federal companies. Although initially dismissed as hyperbole, it was quickly adopted by official memos directing staff to submit weekly updates with 5 “bullet points” outlining their accomplishments. The directive was rolled out through the Office of Personnel Management and reached departments as diversified as Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Energy.

Backlash from inside and past the Pentagon

Despite the directive’s aim of enhancing transparency and accountability, it confronted swift resistance. Civilian staff—many with army backgrounds or years of public service—expressed frustration over what they considered as a demeaning train.Congressman Joe Courtney, rating Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, was notably vocal. In an interview, he acknowledged:“For months, dedicated Defense Department civilians received Elon Musk’s insulting ‘five things’ emails. Many of these people served in the military, are highly trained and experienced, and are doing this job because they actually care about the mission.”Internal communications throughout the Department of Defense initially suggested staff to disregard the emails, however by late March, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had reversed course, issuing his personal memo requiring weekly stories. He warned that “non-compliance may lead to further review,” additional escalating tensions.

Pentagon ends Elon Musk’s weekly electronic mail coverage, requires concepts to chop waste

On May 29, 2025, the Pentagon formally scrapped the coverage. Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Jules Hurst, despatched out an electronic mail thanking employees for his or her participation and saying a ultimate request:“To conclude the ‘five bullet’ exercise, we need one last input from you… Please submit one idea that will improve the Department’s efficiency or root out waste.”The directive, whereas ending one controversial apply, hinted at a want to take care of momentum in reforming bloated or inefficient programs—this time, by inviting worker creativity somewhat than mandating efficiency summaries.According to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, the now-discontinued emails had supplied “insights into their employees’ contributions, fostered accountability, and helped to identify opportunities for greater efficiency.” However, he added that the division stays dedicated to “driving meaningful 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. Though technically a particular authorities worker, Musk introduced outsized consideration to DOGE and stirred controversy via a mixture 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 through 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 influence DOGE had achieved.“The ⁦‪@DOGE‬⁩ mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government,” Musk posted.However, he additionally criticized the shortage of concrete finances cuts in what he described as the “big, beautiful bill” 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 Department of Government Efficiency stays unsure. While 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 in regards to the division’s long-term viability.For now, Defense Secretary Hegseth seems to be redirecting the effectivity marketing campaign towards extra standard 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 can be carried out.