The leadership of several US agencies—including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pentagon, the State Department, the Office of National Intelligence, and the Department of Homeland Security—has ordered their subordinates not to respond to a request from the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to report on the work they have done during the week, The New York Times reported on Sunday.

Earlier, DOGE director Elon Musk announced that US government employees would receive letters demanding that they report on their work done during the week, and that failure to respond would be considered dismissal.

The order to disobey this request can be considered one of the first serious tests of the extent of Musk's powers. This also indicates that behind the scenes dissatisfaction with the actions of the businessman is growing in the administration of US President Donald Trump, added The New York Times.

Civil servants in some US departments received the respective letters on Saturday evening, according to Reuters. In response, civil servants must submit—by Monday—a five-point report on their work.