Musk has been granted authority to root out wasteful government spending through his Department of Government Efficiency.
Elon Musk sent an email to federal workers, asking them to list five tasks they completed last week, sparking criticism. Musk claimed the purpose was to identify active employees, as some government workers might not check their emails. Pentagon officials and other agencies, including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, advised employees not to respond, with one Pentagon official calling it "the silliest thing in 40 years." Musk defended the move, stating it was about efficiency and that those with such attitudes should find new jobs. Despite backlash, he noted receiving many positive responses.
