Judicial Branch Draws the Line: Federal Courts Order Staff to Ignore Trump/Musk’s Intrusive DOGE Mandate

In a dramatic rebuke to executive interference, the federal court system has instructed its staff—including federal judges—to disregard a recent DOGE email demanding a weekly list of accomplishments. The message, sent from an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) address, is yet another example of the Trump administration’s and Elon Musk’s controversial attempts to reshape the federal workforce.

A Surprising Directive

Late Saturday evening, multiple judiciary staff members received the DOGE email, which insisted they submit a bulleted list of their recent activities. According to sources, the email was part of a broader initiative tied to the administration’s efforts to cut costs and tighten control over federal operations. Elon Musk had previously hinted on social media that noncompliance could result in immediate removal—a claim that, thankfully, wasn’t echoed in the email itself.

The Judiciary’s Response

In a swift countermeasure, the judiciary’s Administrative Office issued a memo titled “OPM Email about Accomplishments.” The message urged all staff to take no action in response to the directive and assured employees that further communication would follow as the judiciary engages with OPM to resolve the matter. “We will be communicating with OPM about this email,” the memo stated, reinforcing the judiciary’s stance on maintaining its independence from the executive branch.

An Unwelcome Intrusion

The controversial email highlights a concerning trend of executive branch overreach into the traditionally insulated realm of the judicial system. Critics argue that such mandates are not only absurd but also legally dubious, as the judiciary operates outside the purview of presidential directives and Musk’s initiatives. This isn’t the first time federal employees have been caught in the crossfire of political shake-ups; similar attempts to interfere with independent agencies have been reported over the past month.

Wider Implications

OPM, which functions like the HR office for the federal government, has been at the center of several such controversies, often tied to Musk’s radical plans for government reform. As judicial officials continue to fend off these incursions, there are growing concerns that the chaos spilling over from the executive branch could undermine the very integrity and independence of the courts.

Local chief clerks at several courthouses have confirmed that staff have been told not to respond to the DOGE message—a small but significant victory for a system determined to safeguard its autonomy.

What’s Next?

As the Trump administration and its allies continue to push for sweeping changes in government operations, the judiciary’s clear directive serves as a powerful reminder of the need to maintain checks and balances. The situation remains fluid, and observers are closely watching how this clash between branches of government will unfold.

Stay tuned as we follow this developing story, where the battle for the soul of federal governance continues to play out in real time.