HHS Makes Musk-Directed Email Demands Voluntary, Warns of Foreign Actor Threat ##
Here are the key points about the HHS response to Elon Musk's email demand for federal employees:
HHS informed employees that responding to Musk's email request for work accomplishments is now voluntary, not mandatory2.
The agency warned employees that any responses "may be read by malign foreign actors"3.
HHS advised employees who choose to respond to keep details general and protect sensitive data3.
This follows confusion across federal agencies about whether to comply with Musk's original demand12.
OPM has now clarified to agencies that employee responses are voluntary4.
President Trump publicly supported Musk's initiative, calling it "genius"2.
Some agencies directed compliance while others told employees not to respond24.
Unions filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of Musk's threat to fire non-compliant employees4.
The situation has caused uncertainty and anxiety among federal workers2.
Sources:
1. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/hhs-workers-hear-mixed-guidance-musk-flexes-power-over-email-demands
2. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/opm-musks-ultimatum-voluntary-after-weekend-confusion/story?id=119127113
3. https://www.nbcboston.com/news/national-international/hhs-warns-employees-responses-musk-email-may-be-read-by-malign-foreign-actors/3640679/?os=roku.
4. https://www.govexec.com/workforce/2025/02/opm-says-musk-demand-feds-report-accomplishments-voluntary/403221/?oref=ge-mini-feed