Elon Musk’s ‘Five Things’ email programs closed by Trump administration: What was the controversial project that caused panic among federal employees? , world News
In a step sign shifting preferences within the White House, the Trump administration has officially abolished the controversial “five things” emails of Elon Musk, for which federal employees needed their supervisors to report five weekly achievements to their supervisors. The initiative, launched by Musk in February 2025 during his tenure as the head of the government’s efficiency department, was aimed at generating more and more accountability and productivity in the federal workforce. However, the program attracted backlash to its sudden rollout and lack of clarity, eventually one of the most unpopular internal mandate in recent memory.
What was the “five things” program launched by Elon Musk
Elon Musk’s “Five Things” email program was launched in February 2025 as a radical effort to increase productivity and accountability in the federal workforce. Modeling was performed after Musk’s practices in Tesla and SpaceX, each government employee needed his supervisor to email five specific achievements each week. The goal was to establish a result-operated culture in traditionally slow-running government departments, using personal weekly reporting to track performance and reduce bureaucracy disability.While the concept was praised by some people for its simplicity and focus, it quickly became controversial. Many agencies were confused about how to define “achievement”, and in collaborative or policy-oriented roles, employees felt that the system did not reflect their work. The rollout of the program was suddenly released via email without advance notice, increased despair and inconsistent compliance. Although it aims to change government operations, the program eventually became one of the most unpopular initiatives of Musk during its abbreviation reforms during its brief tenure.
Why did you do it? Tusrap Does the administration kill the program?
According to officials, compliance in agencies quickly fell apart due to vague guidance, inconsistent enforcement and internal confusion. Several HR leaders reported to be blind from the sudden launch of the program, which arrived through a weekend email. Over time, the departments informally dropped the practice, and the employee pushback mount. The Personnel Management Office (OPM) decided to formally shut down the mandate after the departure of Musk from the administration in May 2025.Elon Musk played a close advisory role in another administration of Trump, especially on streamlining government operations. However, in June 2025, Kasturi publicly criticized Trump’s tax and spending bill. In vengeance, Trump nominated Musk’s associate Jreds Isamen as the head of NASA and threatened to cancel several federal contracts with Musk’s companies.
What is next for fallout and federal workers
Officially with the “five things” programs, federal employees no longer need to present weekly performance summs. The decision has been received with relief by many government employees, who found the program burdened and unclear. This indicates a comprehensive change in the administration’s approach to the inspection of the workplace-which is moving away from technically technical-powered performance equipment.While Musk’s term in the government was short -lived, his influence remains controversial. “Five Things” initiative, although unsuccessful, highlighted his desire to inject silicon valley culture into federal operation. Now, with the initiative and stress between Musk and Trump Rising, their impact in Washington is decreasing rapidly.
