Elon Musk’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) sent federal employees a ridiculous email on Saturday with the subject line: “What did you do last week?” It demanded that every employee submit a list of five things they had accomplished to both the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and their supervisor each week – or else it would be considered a resignation.  

After major backlash, the OPM walked back the requirement, saying it would be up to individual agencies to enforce. But damage was still done: Musk’s latest stunt is just another example of his reckless, authoritarian-style power grab. 

He’s making life miserable for the hardworking civil servants who keep our country running, who are now more understaffed and overworked than ever. And this makes all of our lives harder when the programs that they run fall apart. 

Common Cause refuses to let this story fade away. That’s why we’re taking a page out of Musk’s playbook and submitting our own progress report. Here are five things we got done this week to push back against Musk’s hostile takeover and demand that he be FIRED from the White House:

1. Awakened a Groundswell of Public Outrage

363,908 people and counting have joined us in demanding Musk’s removal, with 151,810 people signing onto our Fire Musk petition. The American people see what’s happening, and they’re ready to fight back.

2. Flooded Congress with Calls and Letters

Our members have made more than 5,592 calls and sent over 39,702 letters to U.S. senators, urging them to uphold their oath to protect the Constitution and take action against Musk’s unconstitutional power grab.

3. Exposed Censorship and Ignited a Media Firestorm

Các Bưu điện Washington backed out of an agreement to print our full-page ad calling for Musk’s removal on the front page of their edition that lands on Trump’s and Congress’ desks. But their refusal only made us louder. Now, the ad they didn’t want anyone to see has been viewed by millions.

4. Sent Musk His “Pink Slip”

We launched a direct mail campaign urging our members to send postcards to their representatives, calling on them to take action and fire Musk. Our message is clear: an unelected billionaire should not be running our government.

5. Put the White House on Notice

Common Cause, along with 15 partner organizations, sent a thư to the White House demanding Musk’s removal and calling attention to the dangers of his unchecked influence.

These five actions are just the beginning. Musk is waging a war on democracy, and we’re not backing down. Every attack on civil servants is an attack of the American people. Every agency he guts weakens the programs that keep us safe, healthy, and secure.