Federal Workforce Experiences Significant Changes Under Trump Administration
The federal workforce has undergone significant changes, marked by high employee turnover and policy shifts since January. The Office of Personnel Management projects that approximately 317,000 federal employees will no longer be with the government by the end of 2025, a figure that includes firings, retirements, and resignations.
Employee Experiences and Departures
Liz Goggin, a former clinical social worker at the Veterans Health Administration (VA), resigned in June after a decade of service. Her departure followed two rejections for a buyout offer. Goggin cited new directives, including a mandate for employees to submit weekly five-bullet accomplishment reports and a directive to report observed anti-Christian bias. She stated she did not observe any anti-Christian bias during her employment.
Changes in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies also created uncertainty among employees regarding permissible discussion topics, such as support groups addressing clients' experiences with racism or internal discussions about implicit bias.
Mahri Stainnak, an individual who uses they/them pronouns, was terminated from their role in the Office of Personnel Management's DEI office shortly after the administration's return to the White House. Stainnak's work involved connecting diverse groups, including veterans, individuals with disabilities, and graduates from minority-serving institutions, with federal career opportunities. Stainnak moved to a new role just before their termination and is currently seeking full-time employment.
Legal Challenges and Administration Stance
Stainnak is a plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that the Trump administration illegally discriminated against federal employees in DEI roles, claiming they were targeted based on actual or perceived political beliefs, advocacy for protected groups, race, or gender. The Trump administration has not yet filed a response to the complaint, and the White House declined to comment on the lawsuit.
President Trump's January executive order asserted that DEI efforts under former President Joe Biden constituted "immense public waste and shameful discrimination." The administration has articulated its objective to "drain the swamp" and address perceived waste, fraud, and abuse within the government.
White House Assistant Press Secretary Liz Huston stated that President Trump's motivation is to improve the lives of American people and enhance the country. She highlighted progress in government efficiency, referencing plans to overhaul the nation's air traffic control system and a reduction in the number of veterans awaiting benefits.
Max Stier, founding president of the Partnership for Public Service, offered a differing perspective, characterizing the changes as "burning the whole house down" and comparing the current situation to government operations in the 1800s.
Impact on Probationary Employees
Keri Murphy, who began an administrative position at the Commerce Department in summer 2024, was among probationary employees dismissed by the administration starting in March. Murphy stated she had received an award for outstanding performance prior to her dismissal.
Legal proceedings followed, resulting in Murphy's temporary reinstatement under court order. She was subsequently re-fired after an appeals court reversed the initial order. A final judgment this fall declared the mass firing of probationary employees illegal but did not mandate reinstatement. Murphy has since secured new employment with lower pay and no benefits compared to her government position.
Future Considerations
Both Liz Goggin and Keri Murphy have stated they would consider returning to government service, though not under the current administration. Goggin has established a private therapy practice and runs a support group, noting the continued demand for her skills.