federal employees

President Trump warned federal workers who did not reply to recent emails asking them to describe "five things" they accomplished are "on the bubble" suggesting they are at risk of losing their jobs.

Five weeks in, there's an emerging pattern in how the Trump administration moves to target federal employees. And it begins with Elon Musk bringing in tactics he's employed at his various businesses.

The Merit Systems Protection Board, the quasi-judicial agency that hears appeals in federal employee labor disputes, has ordered a stay in the firing of six probationary employees.

"No one knows what we are supposed to do," said one federal employee amid conflicting and shifting guidance on whether to comply with Elon Musk's directive to list five accomplishments.

Federal agencies are sending out sample contract agreements to their employees in what appears to be an effort to alleviate doubts. But some of the language differs from the original offer.

A government shutdown is looming but not every federal office will close completely. Some critical services will continue as employees work without pay.