The Federal Employee Briefing for February 26, 2025
1. Mass Resignation of Federal Technology Staff
More than 20 civil service employees from the United States Digital Service (USDS), recently rebranded as the United States DOGE Service, have resigned. These employees protested actions by the White House's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), stating they refused to "dismantle critical public services." Their resignation letter, addressed to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, expressed concerns over being compelled to compromise governmental systems and critical services. This mass resignation reflects growing resistance among federal employees to DOGE's initiatives.
Legal Insight:
Federal employees are protected under the Whistleblower Protection Act, which safeguards those who refuse to engage in actions they reasonably believe violate laws or regulations. The collective resignation may prompt legal scrutiny regarding potential coercion and the ethical implications of directives that compromise public services.
2. Confusion Over Musk's Directive to Federal Employees
Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), issued an email to all federal employees demanding they justify their employment by listing recent accomplishments, with non-compliance considered as resignation. This directive led to widespread confusion, as some agencies advised employees to ignore the email, while others instructed compliance. The Office of Personnel Management later clarified that responding was voluntary, contradicting Musk's initial mandate. Unions have added this incident to existing lawsuits challenging mass terminations, citing potential violations of federal employment laws.
Legal Insight:
Federal employment is governed by established procedures for performance evaluations and terminations. Musk's directive may bypass these protocols, potentially infringing upon due process rights.
3. Social Security Administration Shutters Offices Following Leadership Resignation
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has closed two offices following the resignation of former acting commissioner Michelle King, who opposed the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) attempts to scrutinize SSA's financial records. The Office of Transformation and the Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity were shut down under the new acting commissioner, Lee Dudek, in line with President Trump's directive to eliminate wasteful government functions. Approximately 200 employees were affected by these closures.
Legal Insight:
The closure of offices dedicated to civil rights and equal opportunity raises concerns about the SSA's compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws. Affected employees may have grounds to challenge the terminations, especially if they believe the closures undermine statutory obligations to uphold civil rights. Legal challenges could argue that such actions violate protections against discrimination and the dismantling of essential oversight functions.
Mindful Moment
The Desk Declutter Trick for Mental Clarity
Your physical space reflects your mental state. A cluttered desk often means a cluttered mind. When overwhelm creeps in, take 60 seconds to clear your immediate workspace—stack papers, close extra tabs, or put away distractions. This small reset creates a sense of order, signaling to your brain that you're in control. A clear space fuels a clear mind.
Legal Tip of the Day:
Be Mindful of Ethical Obligations
Federal employees are subject to government-wide ethics laws that carry serious consequences for non-compliance. Ensure you understand and adhere to these ethical standards to maintain integrity and avoid legal issues. Common violations include conflicts of interest, misuse of government resources, and accepting prohibited gifts.
🚨 Federal Employees: RIFs Are Happening – Here’s What You Need to Know 🚨
The government is moving forward with Reductions in Force (RIFs), and if you’re not prepared, you could be caught off guard. Who’s most at risk? How do bumping & retreat rights work? What legal options do you have?
Last Saturday, we hosted two packed sessions with nearly 100 federal employees in each, covering everything you must know about RIFs. Now, you can access the full recordings, coaching notes, and key takeaways inside our membership.
📅 Join us LIVE this Saturday at 11 AM for another deep dive—real answers, no fluff—so you can protect your career in these uncertain times.
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Social Media Recap:
How to Protect Yourself in a Federal RIF
Federal Employees & OPM’s “What Did You Do?” Email
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