Defense Department ends DOGE's weekly 'what did you do last week' email requirement

The Defense Department has ended the Department of Government Efficiency's weekly "what did you do last week" email requirement as DOGE chief Elon Musk has left the federal government.

The Pentagon announced Wednesday that after asking civilian employees to send an email each week since the end of February with five of their accomplishments from the previous week, it has concluded the requirement.

"This initiative provided leaders and supervisors with additional insights into their employees' contributions, fostered accountability, and helped to identify opportunities for greater efficiency and effectiveness throughout the Department," the DOD said.

Jules W. Hurst III, the Official Performing the Duties of Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, informed the Pentagon's civilian workforce of the change on Friday, which took effect on Wednesday, asking "employees to share in their final submission one concrete idea to enhance efficiency or root out waste."

The conclusion of the email requirement comes as Musk's "special government employee" status to head DOGE is set to expire this Friday, but the White House confirmed that he left his position on Wednesday. The SpaceX CEO received the designation on Inauguration Day that allows civilians to work for the federal government for 130 days a year. May 30 is the last scheduled day of Musk's "special government employee" status.