Elon Musk’s drastic cost-cutting strategies, once implemented at Twitter, are now shaking up the U.S. federal government, leaving employees uncertain about their future.

As Elon Musk’s influence extends beyond Twitter (now X) into the federal government, former employees from the social media giant are warning U.S. government workers about the potential chaos they may face.

Many are already seeing familiar tactics: drastic cuts, disruptive changes, and abrupt ultimatums.

Musk’s team, now tasked with “streamlining” the government, appears to be following the same playbook that shook up Twitter in 2022, raising questions about the future of public services and workers.

Upon taking control of Twitter, Musk laid off 50% of the staff, slashing 80% over time. Now, in his new venture into government, Musk’s cuts are potentially even more impactful.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) could be shutting down, and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) may cut up to 70% of its workforce.

Additionally, the General Services Administration has been instructed to reduce business expenses by 50%.

Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency,” also known as DOGE, is working aggressively to trim the federal budget, with long-term goals to reduce government spending by trillions.

The situation is unnerving for federal employees. Musk’s tactics mirror his Twitter takeover: issuing demands in stark, direct emails.

Many government employees have received an ultimatum akin to the one Musk sent to Twitter staff two years ago, asking them to commit to “extremely hardcore” work or face resignation.

Federal workers now face a similar decision: stay and meet new expectations of loyalty, trustworthiness, and reliability, or accept a buyout and leave.

But there’s uncertainty, as the legality of such a deal is in question, especially since Congress hasn’t authorized funding beyond September. Furthermore, workers who resign may be prohibited from taking new jobs while still under the government’s payroll.

Despite Musk’s promise of a streamlined, more efficient government, critics argue that his approach lacks consideration for long-standing systems and employees.

Former Twitter employees, who saw the same kind of sweeping changes in their former workplace, say the billionaire’s decision-making process disregards the practical and legal consequences.

“Elon thinks regulations and laws are just obstacles to be ignored,” said one former senior employee.

His actions at Twitter, including firing top executives and forcing major cost-saving measures, had a lasting impact on the platform, often backfiring in unexpected ways.

Musk’s attempts to overhaul government agencies are causing concern not only for employees but for the integrity of the services they provide.

With his history of rapid decisions, many fear that the cuts may be too extreme, potentially undermining critical governmental functions.

Federal workers have already faced confusion over what’s expected of them in the wake of these changes, with some agencies on the verge of collapse.

Adding to the complexity, legal challenges may arise as federal employees are unsure whether they can rely on the buyout offers being made to them.

Labor lawyers are advising caution, as few legal remedies exist for federal workers facing forced resignations or being asked to work through a severance period.

“It’s not clear whether the President even has the authority to guarantee that federal workers will be paid after they resign,” said Shannon Liss-Riordan, a lawyer representing former Twitter employees in ongoing lawsuits.

For government workers, this lack of clarity creates additional stress as they navigate an environment of uncertainty.

Former Twitter employees who lived through Musk’s cuts have been offering advice to federal workers about what to expect in the coming months.

Many emphasize the importance of documenting changes and using secure communication methods, like encrypted platforms, to protect themselves.

Former Twitter engineer Yao Yue, who experienced the upheaval firsthand, warned that government workers need to remain assertive in the face of these changes. “Don’t comply without question,” she advised. “Find small routines that anchor you and make you feel in control.”

Another former Twitter employee offered practical advice on communicating with Musk’s team. “Musk likes it when people speak positively, even when they’re dealing with difficult situations,” they explained.

However, they also cautioned that if workers are being asked to do something unreasonable, they should not be afraid to stand their ground. “If something’s beyond the pale, make sure it’s clear,” they added.

Despite the disruptions, former employees cautioned that the full impact of Musk’s leadership won’t be immediately apparent. While his decisions may appear bold and decisive, they often lead to unforeseen consequences.

“Musk leads like a bull in a china shop,” said one ex-manager at Twitter, explaining that Musk’s impulsiveness can cause immediate chaos but often leads to reconsideration in the long run.

However, not all decisions are reversed, and workers may find themselves dealing with the fallout for much longer than they expect.

As Musk’s plans to reform the federal government continue, many are left wondering what the future holds for government employees and the services they provide.

With his history of high-risk, high-reward leadership, Musk’s tenure as the head of DOGE may end up shaping the future of the U.S. government in ways that no one can yet predict.

Federal workers are bracing themselves for what may come next, and only time will tell if Musk’s approach will succeed or if it will backfire in the same way it did at Twitter.