By Steve Neavling
FBI Director Kash Patel has instructed bureau employees to disregard Elon Musk’s directive requiring federal workers to report their weekly accomplishments or risk termination.
“The FBI, through the Office of the Director, is in charge of all of our review processes, and will conduct reviews in accordance with FBI procedures,” Patel wrote in an email to staff, the Associated Press reports. “When and if further information is required, we will coordinate the responses. For now, please pause any responses.”
The move comes as several federal agencies, including the State Department and the Pentagon, face pressure from the Trump administration to comply with Musk’s mandate. The directive, issued over the weekend, gave employees 48 hours to list five work-related accomplishments or face dismissal.
The demand has sparked pushback across the federal government, with unions calling it unlawful and some lawmakers questioning its legality. While officials at the Justice Department and other agencies have offered mixed guidance, Patel’s directive makes clear that the FBI will handle its own internal review process.
Musk has defended the mandate, calling it a “pulse check” on government workers, though he has not provided evidence of fraud or misconduct. His involvement in the federal workforce overhaul has drawn scrutiny, particularly as the Trump administration moves aggressively to restructure key agencies.
Despite resistance from Patel and other agency heads, thousands of federal employees have already been forced out through firings or so-called “deferred resignations.” The full impact of Musk’s directive remains unclear, but Patel’s decision signals at least one major agency is unwilling to comply.
