Federal Employees Push Back Against Elon Musk

On February 7, a significant incident unfolded at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) as employees became alerted to the presence of aides from Elon Musk’s newly formed team, the Department of Government Efficiency. Witnesses report that federal workers took to their phones, documenting the scene as the aides were escorted through the agency’s downtown Washington headquarters. A sense of alarm permeated the atmosphere, leading to employees shouting greetings at the aides and attempting to capture their images. Inside the building, tensions escalated, resulting in one agency worker confronting the Musk aides in a conference room, challenging them to verify their credentials—an encounter noted by The New York Times.

Elon Musk and his team have made swift moves to restructure government agencies, terminate ongoing programs, and gain access to sensitive databases. In response, a growing number of federal employees are rising up against these changes, utilizing various means to express their opposition, both publicly and privately. Reports indicate that employees have staged protests, filed over two dozen lawsuits, and drastically increased their participation in labor unions as a form of resistance against the changes enforced under Musk’s regime.

The wave of pushback has taken many forms, including protests outside federal buildings targeted by Musk’s aides. Civil servants have used encrypted channels on platforms like Signal and Zoom to facilitate discussions and plan collective actions, underscoring the urgency felt within the workforce. Workers have voiced their frustrations through emails sent to colleagues, expressing dissent at the risk of their own careers.

Amidst the discord, a noteworthy moment transpired during a video meeting between Musk’s team and officials from the General Services Administration’s technology sector. Employees filled the chat with spoon emojis—a symbolic gesture of contempt directed at a resignation offer referred to as a “fork in the road.” In retaliation, agency superiors restricted the use of spoon emojis in their communication platforms, illustrating the lengths to which the administration would go to curb dissent.

Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, emphasized the depth of feelings among staff: “People are angry, they are frustrated, they are upset.” As federal employees aim to mobilize broader public support against Musk’s initiatives, they face challenges, particularly given the Trump administration’s resolve to push through their agenda. Reports indicate that new appointees have initiated layoffs targeting thousands of federal workers, with plans for further cuts looming.

Despite this pressure, President Trump’s administration appears unmoved by the uproar, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt downplaying the effectiveness of protests and lawsuits. The broader Democratic response has been lackluster, reflecting the aftermath of their recent electoral setbacks. Within this fraught environment, civil servants are banding together, hoping to ignite widespread public opposition against Musk’s collaborations with the federal government.

The ongoing turmoil has not deterred some employees from seeking to maintain operational integrity. Amid an atmosphere of fear prompted by potential cuts, an employee from the U.S. Agency for International Development courageously countermanded orders that unfairly placed numerous colleagues on administrative leave. The employee’s actions earned him a brief respite from scrutiny but highlighted the precarious working conditions many face.

As discontent grows, more employees are flocking to unions. The American Federation of Government Employees has reported a dramatic surge in membership, with over 20,000 new members joining since the start of the year. Protests have erupted across the nation, with workers voicing their displeasure and demanding accountability. Signs bearing slogans like “Fork Off, Elon” and “Launch Musk Into Orbit” have become symbols of resistance, reflecting the widespread discontent with changes imposed by Musk and the administration.

In a particular incident, Karen Ortiz, an administrative law judge, faced consequences for an email sent to her colleagues encouraging them to resist what she deemed “illegal mandates.” Following her communication, Ortiz’s ability to send emails was disabled, prompting her to enlist legal support while firm in her resolve to assert her rights and principles.

As the situation continues to unfold, tensions between federal employees and the Trump administration are expected to escalate. The civil servants’ efforts are characterized by their solidarity and determination to safeguard not only their jobs but also the essential services they provide to the public. As they navigate this tumultuous landscape, they remain hopeful that collective action can shift the tide, not just for their professional lives but for the integrity of the institutions they serve.