Introduction to the Crisis

Federal employees at the U.S. Treasury, including the IRS, received an email on Monday from a former Heritage Foundation analyst, instructing them to respond to Elon Musk’s recent email. The email, which was due by midnight, has sparked a confrontation between the DOGE team and newly confirmed members of Donald Trump’s cabinet.

The Email and Its Instructions

The email, shared with Gizmodo by an anonymous source at the IRS, appears to be from John W. York, a former foreign policy analyst at the Heritage Foundation. The think tank is known for its radical policy document, Project 2025, which aims to dismantle the U.S. government. However, it is unclear whether York is currently working with Musk’s DOGE or at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which is being run by Russ Vought, another former Heritage Foundation member.

The Response and Confidentiality

The email instructs employees to respond to Musk’s email, but emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality. Employees are told to provide descriptive responses that highlight the significance of their work without revealing sensitive or confidential information. The email also advises employees to consult their managers if they have questions about how to respond.

Agency Reactions and Resistance

While the U.S. Treasury has instructed its employees to respond to Musk’s email, other agencies have taken a different approach. According to CNN, leaders at the Pentagon, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Energy, and Department of Justice have told their employees to ignore Musk’s demands. This resistance has sparked a power struggle between Musk and figures like Kash Patel, the recently confirmed leader of the FBI.

Musk’s Motivations and Methods

Musk claims that he is trying to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse, but has yet to provide evidence of any fraudulent activities. Instead, he has unilaterally canceled contracts and dissolved USAID, sparking concerns about his authority and intentions. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has publicly supported Musk, stating that he is using "algorithms" to decide what to cut, despite appearing to lack understanding of the situation.

Uncertainty and Consequences

The consequences of not responding to Musk’s email by midnight are unclear, but it is likely to lead to further conflict and potential rifts within the government. President Trump’s role in the situation is also unclear, as he seems content to let Musk proceed with his actions. An email to the IRS seeking clarification on John W. York’s current employment status did not receive a response, and Gizmodo will update this post if more information becomes available.