Over the past few weeks, I’ve been inundated with messages from concerned federal employees. Many of you have reported disturbing developments involving Elon Musk and his inner circle—including private contractors from Musk’s companies allegedly accessing sensitive Office of Personnel Management (OPM) servers and locking federal employees out of their systems. These actions raise serious legal and ethical concerns, and we must confront them strategically.

I understand your fear and frustration. You’re being targeted because authoritarian leaders know that professional public servants—those of you who uphold the rule of law—are the greatest obstacle to their agenda. But remember: You are not powerless. In this post, I’ll outline three critical steps you can take to protect yourself, gather evidence, and prepare for a future where these crimes are held accountable.

Step 1: Do Not Quit or Accept Buyout Offers

One of the oldest tactics in the authoritarian playbook is purging government institutions of experienced professionals. By offering buyouts or creating hostile work environments, Musk and his cronies aim to weaken the public sector’s ability to resist their agenda.

Resist the urge to leave. Your presence in the federal workforce is a bulwark against corruption. Without seasoned professionals, authoritarian leaders will fill key roles with loyalists who will implement unlawful policies without question. Stay if you can. The work you do is essential to safeguarding democracy.

Step 2: Gather Evidence of Wrongdoing

We are living in an era where federal agencies may be compromised by private interests, making whistleblowing both necessary and perilous. However, there are lawful ways to document and preserve evidence of misconduct.

Start small and secure: Keep detailed, contemporaneous notes of any illegal or unethical directives you receive.

If you can do so legally, collect supporting documents, emails, or meeting records.

Use encrypted communication tools to share evidence with trusted colleagues or advocacy organizations, but ensure you understand federal guidelines on handling sensitive information.

Remember: The truth will matter when Trump and Musk are no longer in power. We’re building a case for future accountability, and the evidence you gather today will be invaluable.

Step 3: Study the CIA’s “Simple Sabotage” Manual

The CIA’s Simple Sabotage Field Manual, written during World War II, provides tactics designed to disrupt authoritarian regimes from within. This declassified document, available here on an official Trump-Administration-run .gov website, offers timeless lessons on how to obstruct unjust systems in subtle but effective ways. (Note: Just to be safe, you should probably only do this reading from your personal devices in your personal time.)

Key takeaways include:

Slow Down Without Drawing Attention: Perform tasks by-the-book to the point of inefficiency. For example, adhere strictly to all protocols and procedures, knowing that excessive bureaucratic formalities can bog down unethical initiatives.

Raise Questions: In meetings, ask for clarifications and request additional documentation. Constantly seeking “clarity” on complex issues can delay harmful actions.

Propose Alternative Solutions: Suggest processes that require further research, committees, or outside approvals. The appearance of cooperation can mask your resistance efforts.

Network Within Your Agency: Cultivate strong relationships with colleagues who share your values. Collective action can slow the gears of any corrupt machine.

However, I want to be clear: You must act within the bounds of U.S. law and regulations. The purpose of these tactics is not to sabotage government operations, but to prevent the unlawful abuse of power by those attempting to hijack public institutions.

The Road Ahead: Preparing for Accountability

History has shown that authoritarian regimes crumble under the weight of their own corruption. While it may feel like the forces aligned against us are insurmountable, know that their grip on power is fragile. They fear transparency. They fear accountability. And most importantly, they fear you—the dedicated professionals who remain committed to the ideals of democracy.

We are in this fight together. When Trump and Musk no longer hold power, we will be ready to bring all those who have violated the law to justice. Until that day, stay strong, stay vigilant, and know that your work is critical to preserving the foundation of our republic.

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