HHS sends chilling warning to employees about responses to Musk’s productivity email

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) recently issued a warning to employees regarding a directive from Elon Musk to submit a list of five accomplishments from the past week. The HHS cautioned employees that their responses could potentially be read by “malign foreign actors.”

In a letter sent to employees, HHS addressed an email from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) that instructed federal employees to submit five bullet points outlining their accomplishments or face termination. However, HHS clarified that there was no expectation for employees to respond to OPM and that there would be no impact on their employment if they chose not to respond.

For those who did decide to respond to Musk’s directive, HHS provided guidelines to ensure the protection of sensitive information. Employees were advised to keep their responses general, avoiding any specific details that could potentially compromise security. Additionally, employees were urged not to disclose any information related to drugs, devices, or scientific research that could be exploited by malicious actors.

Musk’s request for productivity reports has sparked mixed reactions among federal agencies. While some departments, like the Department of Defense, have instructed their employees to disregard the request, others, such as the FBI and State Department, have indicated that they will coordinate responses on behalf of their employees.

In response to the varying reactions from federal agencies, Musk emphasized the importance of compliance with his directive. He warned employees that failure to respond could result in termination, but also noted that they would be given a second chance before any further action was taken.

Overall, the situation highlights the complexities of balancing transparency and security within government agencies. As federal employees navigate these directives, it is crucial for them to follow the guidelines provided by their respective departments to ensure the protection of sensitive information and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.