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The Pentagon has officially terminated a contentious initiative that required Department of Defense (DoD) employees to send weekly emails detailing their activities. This decision comes as Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration diminishes, marking a significant shift in how the government approaches employee accountability and efficiency.
Background of the initiative
Launched in late February 2025, the ‘What You Did Last Week’ initiative was designed to provide leaders with insights into their employees’ contributions. Under the directive of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, civilian DoD employees were instructed to submit emails outlining their top five accomplishments each week.
However, the initiative faced immediate backlash, with initial concerns about the potential sharing of classified information leading some agencies, including the FBI and the National Security Agency, to advise their employees against responding.
Controversy surrounding the initiative
Despite the initial hesitance, the directive was reversed, and employees were told to comply, albeit with the caveat of excluding sensitive information.
Musk, who had taken on a quasi-official role in the government, was adamant about the necessity of this reporting, even threatening that failure to respond would be interpreted as a resignation. This heavy-handed approach drew criticism, as many viewed it as an overreach and an invasion of privacy.
The end of an era
On May 23, 2025, Jules W. Hurst III, the Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, announced via email that the initiative would conclude on May 28, 2025. In his message, he encouraged employees to share one final idea aimed at enhancing efficiency or eliminating waste.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized that the DoD remains committed to driving meaningful change, despite the initiative’s end.
As the government shifts its focus, the implications of this decision extend beyond just the DoD. It raises questions about how federal agencies will balance accountability with employee autonomy in the future.
The initiative, while intended to foster transparency and efficiency, ultimately highlighted the challenges of implementing such measures in a sensitive and classified environment.
With Musk’s departure from the White House and his reduced involvement in government initiatives, the future of similar programs remains uncertain. As the Pentagon moves forward, it will be crucial to find a balance that encourages accountability without compromising the trust and privacy of its employees.
