16:53
World Business
Musk’s campaign to slash U.S. workforce sparks chaos
Reuters
Reuters
Multiple U.S. agencies have instructed employees not to respond to Elon Musk’s demand to list their accomplishments or face termination, as the Trump administration continues its aggressive campaign to cut the federal workforce.
Elon Musk's push to streamline the federal government has sparked turmoil, as multiple U.S. agencies told employees not to respond to his directive to list their accomplishments or face termination. Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency, described the directive as a “very basic pulse check,” posting on social media:
“EXTREMELY troubling that some parts of government think this is TOO MUCH!! What is wrong with them??”
Federal agencies, including the FBI and State Department, instructed staff not to respond without proper authorization, highlighting growing tension within the Trump administration’s aggressive push to cut the federal workforce.
Musk’s campaign has already led to more than 20,000 layoffs, with an additional 75,000 offered buyouts. The chaotic pace has affected critical functions such as managing the nation’s nuclear arsenal and responding to the bird flu outbreak.
The largest federal workers’ union questioned Musk’s authority to fire employees and called for the directive to be rescinded. Meanwhile, some officials, including Republican Senator John Curtis, supported cost-cutting efforts but urged a more compassionate approach, saying, "These are real people. These are real lives.”
Amidst the backlash, former Governor Chris Christie called Musk’s directive a "complete overstep" likely to face legal defeat. Despite the chaos, some officials remain supportive of Musk’s drive for government efficiency.
12:06
Newshour with Guy Shone
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