On November 20, 2024, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy outlined a radical plan to reform the federal government in an opinion piece published in The Wall Street Journal. They suggested eliminating remote work for federal employees, labeling it a 'privilege' from the pandemic era.
Their proposal could impact over 1 million federal workers, as approximately 46% of civilian personnel are eligible for some form of telework. Musk and Ramaswamy believe that requiring in-person attendance would lead to voluntary resignations, benefiting taxpayers.
They are co-heads of a newly proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to cut federal jobs and spending. The duo emphasized that they are 'entrepreneurs, not politicians,' and plan to implement their strategies without needing Congressional approval.
Musk's stance on remote work aligns with his policies at Tesla and SpaceX, where he mandated a return to the office for employees. The opinion piece marks the first concrete policy suggestions from Musk and Ramaswamy in their advisory roles.
Critics, including union representatives, argue that the two lack understanding of the federal workforce and its operations. They also proposed large-scale firings and relocating federal agencies outside Washington, D.C.