President Donald Trump has announced that over one million federal employees who failed to respond to an email from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) may face termination.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to streamline government operations and reduce inefficiencies.

During his first cabinet meeting of the new term, President Trump defended Musk’s approach, emphasizing the need for accountability and efficiency within federal agencies.

He stated that non-compliance with the directive to submit weekly accomplishment reports could result in job cuts.

The President praised Musk’s efforts, highlighting satisfaction among cabinet members despite resistance from some federal staff.

Plans are also underway to balance the budget, with agency leaders preparing for workforce and spending reductions.

Notably, significant cuts are anticipated at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and there is a proposal to transfer certain responsibilities of the Education Department to state governments.

Additionally, discussions include potential delays on tariffs for Mexico and Canada, future tariffs on the European Union, and a new “gold card” program for U.S. residency.

The President deferred comments on China-Taiwan tensions and Ukraine’s security, pointing to European peacekeeping involvement.

In alignment with this directive, the Trump administration has instructed federal agencies to submit plans for large-scale staff reductions by March 13.

This move aims to eliminate inefficiencies within the government, focusing on removing underperforming employees, closing unnecessary offices, and reducing non-essential roles.

Agencies are also required to present longer-term reorganization plans by April 14, with implementation set for the start of the fiscal year 2026.

Key governmental functions in national security, immigration enforcement, and similar areas are excluded from these cuts.

Elon Musk, despite facing threats and not being the official head of DOGE, emphasized the urgency of reducing the federal deficit by identifying $4 billion in daily savings.

President Trump highlighted the necessity of these changes to prevent fraudulent payroll claims and ensure efficiency.

The directive has led to widespread chaos and uncertainty among federal workers, particularly in regions with high concentrations of federal employees, such as California.

In the past month, sweeping federal job cuts have affected a broad range of sectors, from national parks to emergency management, triggering significant outcry and legal challenges.

By mid-March, further reductions are expected, impacting not only Washington, D.C., but also states like California, where federal employees comprise about 2% of the workforce.

Areas with high concentrations of federal workers, such as San Diego and the Central Valley, will be particularly affected.

The firings have largely targeted probationary employees, with some being asked to return to work. The chaotic situation is compounded by an abrupt email directive demanding employees’ weekly work reports, non-compliance to which could be considered a resignation.

This directive is still under contention, with less than half of the federal workforce responding to it.

Elon Musk’s directive for federal employees to outline their weekly work achievements or face termination was not enforced by the initial deadline.

Despite President Trump’s support for Musk’s initiative, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) stated that the request was non-mandatory.

Musk intends to issue a mandatory directive, giving workers another chance to comply before facing termination.

Various departments, including Veterans Affairs and Commerce, urged compliance, while others, like Health and Human Services and Defense, advised against it, citing internal review procedures.

Critics argue the directive might be unlawful and overreaching. Despite opposition, House Speaker Mike Johnson supports Musk’s move, comparing it to private sector practices.

Responses, where submitted, are to be analyzed using AI.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has been actively involved in reshaping various federal agencies.

In late January 2025, DOGE gained access to large parts of the federal government, installing surrogates and former employees of Musk’s companies as heads at several agencies.

The top ranks of the human resources-focused United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) were filled by new hires who had formerly worked for either Elon Musk or other prominent figures, while Musk’s allies were installed into the technology-focused General Services Administration, planning massive spending cuts.

DOGE’s actions abide by a three-phase plan targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, leading to large-scale firings.

The plan includes attacking DEI initiatives directly, placing on leave employees from “corrupted branches” of agencies, and initiating large-scale firings.

Critics view these moves as destabilizing and potentially damaging to federal operations, suggesting the administration is prioritizing speed over careful implementation.

In summary, President Trump’s announcement regarding potential terminations of federal employees who failed to respond to DOGE’s email reflects the administration’s commitment to reducing government inefficiencies.

While supporters argue that these measures are necessary for fiscal responsibility, critics express concern over the legality and potential destabilization of federal operations.

The situation continues to evolve as agencies prepare their reduction plans and legal challenges proceed.