Elon Musk issued a stern warning on Monday to government employees who have yet to resume full-time office work - they will face administrative leave. This move marks a significant escalation in Musk's campaign within the Trump administration to enforce stricter regulations in the federal bureaucracy.
Musk's Ultimatum
Musk's declaration comes on the heels of a recent executive order by President Donald Trump, mandating the end of widespread work-from-home arrangements and the compulsory return of federal employees to their office spaces.
Responding to a Fox News clip from Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), Musk conveyed, "Those who disregarded President Trump's directive to return to office have been given ample warning over the past month. Effective immediately, individuals persisting in remote work will be placed on administrative leave."
Back-to-Office Order
Requiring federal workers to return to their physical workstations was one of the many executive orders signed by Trump on his first day. The directive necessitates department heads to promptly terminate remote work setups and enforce in-person work on a full-time basis.
By announcing imminent administrative leaves, Musk, acting as the de-facto leader of the Department of Government Efficiency, positions himself once again between employees and their regular chain of command.
Confusion and Resistance
Over the weekend, Musk's team instigated widespread confusion across agencies by inquiring about employees' weekly accomplishments. This led to a power struggle as Trump loyalists instructed staff not to respond.
FBI Director Kash Patel urged agency personnel to refrain from replying, and a communication to State Department employees emphasized non-obligation to report activities outside the department's hierarchy.
Political Divide
Despite pushback from agencies, several Republicans in Congress supported Musk's stance. Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) expressed on NBC's "Meet the Press" the simplicity of the request while advocating for compassion and dignity in the process.
Impact and Criticism
Musk has wielded considerable influence over the federal government with numerous employees facing leave or termination, albeit encountering legal hurdles. Recent reports suggest a potential slowdown in the pace of changes following critique on their scale and rapid implementation.
Trump remains a vocal supporter of Musk's initiatives, urging even greater speed in execution. His recent endorsement on Truth Social emphasized the need for aggressive action to enhance the nation's prosperity.