Elon Musk, co-founder of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), announced measures to return federal employees to in-person work, citing President Donald Trump's directive.
Return to In-Person Work
Under President Donald Trump's directive, from January 20, all federal employees are required to return to office work. This initiative, supported by Elon Musk, warns employees about non-compliance consequences—administrative leave for ignoring the directive. The decision sparked resistance within government departments.
DOGE's Cost-Cutting Measures
DOGE, led by Musk, reported a $55 billion saving achieved through fraud detection, workforce reduction, and project cancellations, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across various global locations.
Federal Agencies' Reaction
The directive to return to in-person work elicited mixed reactions among federal agency employees. Some high-ranking officials like FBI Director Kash Patel refused to comply with Musk's orders, while other agencies also did not follow suit. This matter became a topic of political discussion, with a senator highlighting the need to balance accountability with empathy.
Musk and Trump's efforts received both support and criticism. Despite significant cost savings, the requirement to return to the office turned into a debate emphasizing the complex aspects of workforce management.