DOGE's Weekly Achievement Emails Are Dying Out

Published: Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 1:27 pm

DOGE's Weekly Achievement Emails Phased Out at Some Federal Agencies

The mandatory "5 Things" weekly achievement emails, a key initiative implemented by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), are being phased out at several federal agencies, according to reports. This shift comes as Musk, who has been widely criticized for his actions during his time at the White House, steps back from his role.

The email mandate, introduced in February 2025, required all federal employees to submit a weekly list of five work-related accomplishments. Failure to comply, Musk stated at the time, would be considered a resignation. The intention was to track productivity across the government.

Now, agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have reportedly paused the email requirement. While employees at these agencies will still undergo performance reviews, the weekly email system is no longer in effect. The Department of Defense (DOD) has also stopped requiring the emails, instead requesting feedback on departmental issues.

However, not all agencies are abandoning the practice. Employees at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) are still "encouraged" to send their "5 Things" emails, and those at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Social Security Administration (SSA) are still required to submit them.

This change reflects a broader context of legal challenges and setbacks for DOGE's reforms. Several of Musk's initiatives, including attempts to cancel government contracts, are facing lawsuits or have been overturned. With Musk planning to reduce political spending, the future of other DOGE policies remains uncertain.

Keywords: DOGE, Elon Musk, weekly achievement emails, federal government, CDC, IRS, OPM, NOAA, SSA, Department of Government Efficiency, 5 Things emails, government reform, productivity tracking, federal employees, government agencies, policy changes, legal challenges, Musk White House, Business Insider

Full Story