In an unexpected move, an email sent to thousands of public health workers at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has caused widespread confusion and alarm. The email, sent via the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), instructed employees to list five accomplishments from the past week, without disclosing classified information. The directive, part of Elon Musk's broader effort to streamline the federal workforce through his Department of Government Efficiency, had a Monday night deadline. Notably, major federal agencies such as the Department of Justice, Department of Defense, and Federal Bureau of Investigation advised their staff not to respond to the email.
The situation escalated when several HHS employees received an update instructing them to "pause" activities related to the email.
"Please pause any response," stated Darin Selnick, a Department of Defense official.
Concerns quickly arose that the directive could inadvertently reveal classified information or breach government procedures. As part of a lawsuit against the email, major federal employee unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees, and advocacy groups like Vote Vets, argue that the directive violates federal workforce laws and oversteps the OPM's authority. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, emphasized the responsibility of federal employees in safeguarding sensitive information.
"Federal employees have a duty to ensure that sensitive information, data, and records are only used and disclosed for authorized purposes," asserted Kelley.
The email was perceived by some as a tactic to pressure government employees into justifying their work—an unusual practice within federal agencies. Despite guidance from the Partnership for Public Service that deemed the instruction illegitimate, the email reached employees amidst a series of conflicting directives over the weekend. Max Stier, president of the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service, criticized the move.
"Yet another example of the new administration's contempt for public servants and public service that will lead to further confusion, anxiety and waste," declared Stier.
The directive has also been met with support from certain political circles. Rep Tim Burchett, a Republican from Tennessee, praised the idea.
"I think it's a great idea, you do it in private business all the time," commented Burchett.
However, within HHS, the sentiment was predominantly one of frustration.
"They're succeeding in driving us insane," remarked one HHS employee anonymously.
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