By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Elon Musk’s “deferred resignation” program, aimed at dismantling the federal workforce, has overwhelmingly failed due to low participation—less than 1% of federal employees accepted the offer. This scheme, orchestrated through Musk’s unauthorized Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), involves misleading promises of severance pay, legally questionable under current law. The program faces significant legal challenges, including a restraining order sought by the American Federation of Government Employees, and is projected to ultimately cost the government more in legal fees than savings. The attempt is particularly egregious given the high percentage of veterans employed in federal agencies and the lack of Congressional authorization for the payments.
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Dear Elon: We Aren’t Resigning, Stop Sending Us Stupid Emails.
It’s time to address the elephant in the room, or rather, the deluge of emails flooding inboxes across the federal government. Elon Musk’s attempts to incentivize mass resignations through questionable buyout offers are failing spectacularly, and the persistent barrage of emails is only fueling resentment and defiance.
The sheer audacity of these emails is astonishing. They’re not subtle attempts at persuasion; they’re aggressive, almost bullying, in their tone and approach. They lack the basic respect and understanding of how the federal government functions, and the complex lives of its employees. The attempts to portray these offers as “legit” ring hollow, given the dubious nature of the source and the lack of clear legal and financial backing.
Federal employees aren’t naive. They understand the risks involved in accepting such offers. Leaving a secure job with benefits and retirement prospects for an uncertain payout from a notoriously unreliable source is a gamble most are unwilling to take. It’s not simply a matter of clicking a box; it’s a life-altering decision with significant financial and career implications.
This is not a workforce easily swayed by flashy offers or aggressive tactics. These are individuals who have taken oaths to serve, many with extensive experience and training, and they aren’t easily intimidated. The idea that such a significant portion of the federal workforce would simply abandon their posts based on these emails is frankly ludicrous. Many are veterans, dedicated to their service and committed to fulfilling their responsibilities.
The response to these emails has been overwhelmingly negative. The widespread reporting of them as spam and phishing attempts reflects the deep distrust and irritation they’ve caused. This isn’t about politics; it’s about fundamental respect for the individuals and institutions involved.
The current situation highlights a profound lack of understanding on Musk’s part. He seems to believe he can treat government employees as easily disposable cogs in a machine, much like he might handle employees in a private tech company. This shows a fundamental misunderstanding of the intricate workings of the federal government, its employees’ sense of duty, and the broader social and economic implications of such a mass exodus.
Even if a small number of individuals were to accept the offers, the overall impact on the government’s ability to function would be minimal. The attrition rate in the federal workforce is a continuous process, and the projected number of resignations is within the normal range for this period, negating Musk’s supposed “success.” The sheer number of federal employees—and the lengthy tenure of most—means that a substantial number leave every year in the normal course of events.
The whole situation is farcical. The ongoing legal battles surrounding these actions only highlight the inherent risks and illegalities involved in Musk’s approach. Instead of achieving his goals, he’s likely to incur significant legal costs and face widespread condemnation for his actions. The attempt has backfired spectacularly.
Elon, it’s time to stop sending these emails. They’re not effective, they’re insulting, and they’re likely to result in further legal complications. The federal employees aren’t going anywhere, and frankly, their defiance in the face of your ill-conceived plan should be applauded. The consistent dismissal of these emails and the unwavering dedication to duty from federal employees across the board underscores the futility of your endeavor. The resistance is not merely passive; it is a resounding rejection of your methods. Consider this a clear message: The strategy is failing, and it’s time to move on.