The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), operating under the Trump administration, is strategically phasing out a directive that required federal employees to submit weekly summaries detailing five workplace achievements. This significant policy alteration follows the departure of Elon Musk, who had previously spearheaded a major government efficiency initiative, and coincides with a notable evolution in his public relationship with President Donald Trump.
- The OPM has ceased the mandatory weekly “five things” performance emails for federal employees.
- This policy shift aligns with the recent departure of Elon Musk from his government efficiency role.
- Musk served as a “special government employee” leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
- His tenure concluded on May 30, following extensive efforts in federal budget reduction.
- The public relationship between Elon Musk and President Trump has demonstrably shifted, marked by mutual criticism after an initial period of close collaboration.
OPM Revokes Weekly Performance Reporting Mandate
The OPM formally announced the cessation of these mandatory performance emails to human resources representatives across the federal government. OPM Director Scott Kupor affirmed that the agency would no longer oversee or utilize this internal “five things process.” Kupor emphasized that the OPM’s position is grounded in the belief that managers are inherently responsible for staying informed about their team members’ activities and are equipped with ample existing resources to facilitate this oversight. This move signals a shift from prescriptive, top-down reporting to a model that trusts managerial discretion and existing oversight mechanisms.
Elon Musk’s Tenure in Federal Efficiency Efforts Concludes
This administrative pivot at the OPM directly coincides with Elon Musk’s departure from his pivotal role leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Within this capacity, Musk’s efforts were singularly focused on federal budget reduction and streamlining government operations. His designation was that of a “special government employee,” a position typically limited to no more than 130 days within a 365-day period. Musk’s tenure concluded precisely on May 30. His initial appointment had marked a period of particularly close collaboration with President Trump, during which Musk was tasked with identifying and implementing extensive cost-cutting measures across numerous government agencies.
Shifting Dynamics Between Musk and the Trump Administration
However, the rapport between Elon Musk and President Trump has since undergone a significant and public transformation. Following Musk’s departure from DOGE, a series of public disagreements and instances of mutual criticism emerged, marking a stark contrast to their earlier collaborative phase. During an earlier period of Trump’s second term, the President had publicly defended Musk, notably showcasing a red Tesla outside the White House amidst protests related to DOGE budget cuts. President Trump had also frequently lauded Musk’s achievements, including a successful SpaceX launch, highlighting a period of strong public alignment. This recent divergence underscores a notable evolution in the relationship between the tech entrepreneur and the administration.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Sophia Patel brings deep expertise in portfolio management and risk assessment. With a Master’s in Finance, she writes practical guides and in-depth analyses to help investors build and protect their wealth.