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Elon Musk Orders Federal Workers to Justify Jobs Amid Mass Layoffs
Elon Musk, tasked with cutting the federal budget, demands U.S. government workers justify their jobs or face termination. Agencies are divided, and mass layoffs have already begun.
ND
by News Desk
2025-02-24
Elon Musk Orders Federal Workers to Justify Jobs Amid Mass Layoffs

The U.S. federal workforce faces unprecedented uncertainty as Elon Musk, now overseeing budget cuts under President Donald Trump, has ordered government employees to submit job justifications by Monday midnight (ET). The move has sparked division within federal agencies, lawsuits, and widespread job losses.

Mass Layoffs and Agency Confusion

Many federal departments, including the DEA and FCC, have instructed employees to comply, while others—Defense, Homeland Security, Education, Commerce, and Energy—have resisted. The Department of Health and Human Services initially told staff to cooperate but later reversed course, citing the need to assess Musk's directive.

Even workers at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has already ceased operations, received Musk’s ultimatum.

Musk's Warning and Federal Job Crisis

Musk took to X (formerly Twitter), warning:
"Those who do not take this email seriously will soon be furthering their career elsewhere."

Additionally, he reinforced Trump's return-to-office mandate, threatening administrative leave for employees still working remotely.

Since taking charge of budget cuts, Musk has led a downsizing effort, laying off over 20,000 workers and offering buyouts to 75,000 more across government agencies. Critical functions, including nuclear weapons oversight and bird flu response, have been affected, forcing rushed rehiring efforts.

Trump’s Budget Cuts Disrupt Aid, Economy

Late Sunday, Trump’s administration announced 1,600 firings at USAID, placing nearly all remaining staff on leave. The move has disrupted global humanitarian relief.

Government contractors have also suffered. Chemonics, a major USAID partner, furloughed 750 employees (63% of its workforce) due to budget cuts.

Workers Struggle with Financial Insecurity

For many federal employees, the layoffs have upended their financial stability.

"I might have to sell my house," said Charles Farinella, a recently fired IRS agent in New York, adding that he’s unsure if he still has health insurance.

Musk’s Chainsaw Approach to Government Spending

Musk has personally embraced the chaos, even wielding a chainsaw at a recent conservative conference. His goal? To cut $1 trillion from the $6.7 trillion federal budget.

While Trump has exempted Social Security and Medicare, Musk has suggested reviewing fraudulent payments in these programs to increase benefits for citizens. The Government Accountability Office estimates $521 billion in annual fraudulent and improper payments.

Political Fallout: Republicans and Democrats React

Democrats argue the cuts violate Congress’s control over government spending but remain largely powerless to stop them. Meanwhile, Republicans have celebrated Musk’s budget-slashing but faced public backlash over job losses.

With Musk’s economic axe swinging, uncertainty looms over thousands of federal workers and the broader U.S. economy.
Tagged:

USPolitics

ElonMusk

TrumpAdministration

FederalLayoffs

BudgetCuts
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