Hegseth directs DOD civilian workforce to comply with Musk’s DOGE productivity email
SUMMARY
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth flipped the script Sunday, directing the Pentagon’s civilian workforce to comply with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) productivity email after initially telling them to skip it. In a video message, Hegseth called civilian employees “critical” to national security and said their input fits President Trump’s push to refocus the DOD on warfighting. Musk, DOGE’s head, cheered the move on X, posting, “Much appreciated @SecDef Hegseth!” with a salute and flag emoji. Last week, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent a similar email, but the DOD paused responses. Now, Hegseth’s Friday memo says Monday’s email—due within 48 hours with five accomplishment bullets, cc’ing supervisors—is a must-do. Responses will stay internal, no classified info allowed, and skipping it could trigger a review. The shift came after DOD and OPM hashed out clearer expectations. It’s a change-up from last weekend, when civilian staff were told to ignore.
