Doge Issues Stark "Document Your Work Or Resign" Order To US Federal Workers

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Post on Feb 25, 2025

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Doge's "Document or Resign" Order Sparks Fury Among US Federal Workers

Washington, D.C. – A controversial directive from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), reportedly championed by President Biden's Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, is demanding that all US federal employees meticulously document their work activities or face potential termination. The order, characterized by some as draconian and reminiscent of a "show me the money" approach, has ignited a firestorm of protest and uncertainty within the federal workforce. While the exact wording and implementation details remain unclear, the directive’s core message – demonstrate your value or lose your job – has sent shockwaves through agencies across the government.

The order, which lacks a formal public release or official title as of yet (sources within the OMB confirm its existence but refuse to release specifics), reportedly emphasizes the need for increased accountability and efficiency within the federal government. The administration, according to anonymous sources familiar with the matter, argues that this measure will improve transparency and ensure taxpayers' money is used effectively. However, critics contend that the initiative is overly burdensome, impractical, and potentially discriminatory, especially towards employees in roles not easily quantifiable by simple documentation.

The lack of clarity surrounding the directive's specifics fuels much of the ongoing anger and uncertainty. Federal employees are grappling with several key unanswered questions: What constitutes sufficient documentation? What is the process for documenting tasks? Who will review the submitted documentation, and what criteria will be used for evaluation? Will this new system disproportionately impact certain agencies or employee classifications? The absence of clear guidelines is causing widespread anxiety and resentment among workers already burdened by heavy workloads and understaffing.

Several unions representing federal employees have already issued strongly worded condemnations, accusing the administration of micromanagement and creating an unnecessarily hostile work environment. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), for instance, has publicly called the order a “blatant attack on the federal workforce” and vowed to fight for its reversal or substantial modification. Other unions have echoed these sentiments, expressing concerns about the potential for increased stress, decreased morale, and the diversion of valuable time away from actual work.

The long-term consequences of this directive remain uncertain. While the administration aims for improved efficiency and accountability, critics warn that it could lead to a mass exodus of experienced and skilled federal workers. The potential loss of institutional knowledge and the difficulty of replacing highly qualified individuals could negatively impact government services and programs. Furthermore, the legal challenges stemming from the unclear nature of the directive and potential for discriminatory enforcement are also looming.

The administration has yet to respond publicly to the mounting criticism. However, with federal employees voicing their concerns through unions and social media, the “document or resign” directive is shaping up to be a significant challenge for the Biden administration, potentially creating a major rift between the government and its own workforce. Further developments, including potential legal action and official clarification from the OMB, are expected in the coming weeks. This situation warrants close monitoring as it unfolds and could have significant repercussions for the efficiency and stability of the US federal government.