Elon Musk has given federal workers a second chance to justify their jobs after his initial directive sparked confusion and resistance across multiple agencies. The billionaire, who leads the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), warned that failure to comply could result in termination.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Musk shared: “Subject to the discretion of the President, they will be given another chance.
“Failure to respond a second time will result in termination.”
What to Know:
Musk initially set a Monday night deadline for all federal employees to submit a list of recent accomplishments.
Several agencies, including the Justice Department and the Pentagon, told employees to disregard the directive. Others, like the Education and Transportation Departments, advised compliance.
Musk said the email “was basically a check to see if the employee had a pulse and was capable of replying to an email.”
Trump backed the move, calling it “ingenious” for revealing whether workers were actively contributing.
The American Federation of Government Employees vowed to fight any unlawful terminations.
Some Republican lawmakers have expressed concern, urging Musk to consider the impact on federal workers.
Legal challenges have been filed, with mixed results in court so far.
Stay with Newsweek for the latest updates.
08:44 AM EST
Trump to sign more executive orders in Oval Office today
Trump is set to sign additional executive orders in the Oval Office at 3 p.m. today, according to the White House.
Details on the number and subject of the orders remain unclear.
Since taking office last month, Trump has signed 73 executive orders.
08:30 AM EST
Donald Trump declines to call Putin dictator
President Donald Trump refused to label his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a dictator on Monday, despite having called the Ukrainian leader one in a post on his social-media platform, Truth Social, last week.
Newsweek has contacted Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry for comment by email.
Trump escalated a public feud with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week when he labeled him a “dictator.” The White House leader urged Ukraine to hold elections—despite the fact that these were suspended in February 2022 under martial law, imposed in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The U.S. president’s remarks drew widespread criticism, including from The New York Post, a newspaper Trump once called his “favorite.” The publication ran a front-page cover featuring Vladimir Putin alongside the headline: “THIS IS A DICTATOR.”
At a press conference on Monday alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump was asked whether he would label Putin a “dictator,” as he did Zelensky.
“I don’t use those words lightly … I think we’re going to see how it all works out,” Trump said.
08:16 AM EST
Macron pushes back on Trump’s Ukraine claims during U.S. visit
French President Emmanuel Macron used his visit to Washington to challenge Trump’s assertions about European aid to Ukraine, correcting him in real-time during a joint Oval Office appearance Monday.
When Trump claimed Europe was being repaid for 60% of its contributions to Kyiv, Macron interjected, clarifying that Europe had covered 60% of the total aid effort through loans, guarantees, and grants. Trump responded with a smile, saying, “If you believe that, it’s okay with me.”
In a Fox News interview the same day, Macron urged Trump to be cautious in negotiations with Russia, warning that any peace deal must provide “something substantial for Ukraine.” Trump’s push for Ukraine to repay U.S. aid and grant access to its mineral resources has strained relations with Kyiv and European allies.
08:03 AM EST
Will Philadelphia Eagles meet with Trump at White House? What we know
The Rocky Statue is seen during the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl Championship Parade on February 14, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Rocky Statue is seen during the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl Championship Parade on February 14, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Emilee Chinn/Getty Images
Following the Philadelphia Eagles’ victory at this year’s Super Bowl, conflicting reports have emerged over whether the team has been invited to the White House.
Newsweek has reached out to a representative for the Philadelphia Eagles outside of regular working hours via email for comment.
President Donald Trump was the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl game this year.
It is tradition for the winning Super Bowl team to visit the White House. Eagles captain Lane Johnson said it would be an honor to go, but the decision to meet with the president, if invited, will be left up to a team vote. The Eagles won the Super Bowl in 2018 while Trump was president, and did not attend the customary meeting with him following their victory.
On Sunday, February 23, The U.S. Sun reported that the Philadelphia Eagles had decided to skip a visit to the White House. The outlet reported that when asked if they would accept an invitation, the response from the Eagles was a “massive no.”
This report quickly sparked backlash online, particularly from MAGA supporters who have criticized the Eagles, with some saying they will no longer support the team.
Now, amidst this backlash, a conflicting report has emerged.
07:45 AM EST
Johnson fights to pass GOP budget with tax cuts, deep spending cuts
House Speaker Mike Johnson is working to push through a Republican budget plan this week, aiming to pass a $4.5 trillion tax cut package alongside $2 trillion in spending reductions. The plan faces opposition from Democrats and some Republicans, making its passage uncertain.
Johnson’s slim GOP majority leaves little room for dissent, as lawmakers on both sides question the sweeping cuts, which would target healthcare, food assistance, and other federal programs. Senate Republicans have proposed a smaller $340 billion package instead.
With Trump backing the larger bill, Johnson is rallying support, but divisions within the party threaten the effort.
07:31 AM EST
A Trump administration move to suspend WHO funding halts $46 million for Gaza
U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks after signing an executive order on reciprocal tariffs in the Oval Office at the White House on February 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks after signing an executive order on reciprocal tariffs in the Oval Office at the White House on February 13, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
A decision by the Trump administration to freeze funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) has put $46 million earmarked for Gaza on hold, a WHO official said Tuesday.
Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, the WHO representative for Occupied Palestinian Territories, said the funding suspension would impact six key areas, including Emergency Medical Teams, health facility rehabilitation, medical evacuations, and coordination with partner organizations.
07:19 AM EST
Nearly 40% of Elon Musk’s DOGE cuts not expected to save any money
The Donald Trump administration’s push to slash federal contracts as part of its cost-cutting initiative may not yield the savings officials have touted, according to newly released government data.
Nearly 40 percent of the contracts canceled so far by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, are expected to result in no financial benefit to the government, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the program.
Newsweek has contacted DOGE via X, formerly Twitter, for comment.
Trump has consistently supported and praised Musk’s efforts, stating in a recent Fox News interview alongside the multibillionaire that the cost-cutting measures undertaken by DOGE could be the most significant achievement of Musk’s career, surpassing his work with companies like Tesla and SpaceX.
Additionally, Trump and Musk have discussed the possibility of allocating a portion of the savings achieved by DOGE directly to American citizens. The president has indicated that the administration is considering a plan where 20 percent of the savings would be distributed as dividends to the public, while another 20 percent would go toward reducing the national debt.