The National Institutes of Health informed employees that they are no longer obligated to respond to Elon Musk’s weekly emails regarding their productivity, as per a message obtained by POLITICO.
This change indicates a willingness by the agency’s recently confirmed director, Jay Bhattacharya, to distance itself from Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
Breaking Away from DOGE’s Directives
The message stated, “Please disregard any future reminders or instructions on this directive from OPM or the Department of Health and Human Services,” referencing the White House’s personnel office. It clarified that “NIH manages its own performance review processes and will directly notify employees if any work-related information is required.”
This directive marks the latest departure from DOGE’s mandates. Earlier in the week, the Social Security Administration curtailed a Department of Government Efficiency initiative that aimed to phase out phone services and redirect retirement, Medicare, or disability benefit recipients to in-person or online platforms, a move contested by the Musk-led DOGE as a means to combat fraud.
Several agencies, including the FBI and Department of Justice, have instructed employees not to respond to DOGE’s requests over concerns about disclosing classified information through insecure channels.
Musk’s Controversial Cost-Cutting Measures
In a bid to streamline operations, Musk instructed federal workers to send weekly emails summarizing their work in five bullet points. Those who failed to comply faced termination threats from Musk and President Donald Trump.
However, Musk’s cost-cutting initiatives have sparked political debate within the Trump administration. Recent surveys indicate a decline in Musk’s approval ratings, with public backlash evident at town hall meetings where constituents have challenged GOP lawmakers on DOGE-led workforce reductions.
Musk’s tenure is scheduled to conclude on May 30 unless extended by Trump. The White House and DOGE adviser Katie Miller did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
