Federal Workforce Sees Significant Changes Under Trump Administration
Recent shifts in federal employment have led to a substantial reduction in the federal workforce, impacting numerous individuals and government operations. Historically, federal employment has been associated with job security and benefits. However, the period following President Trump's return to the White House has introduced new dynamics for federal employees.
Personnel Actions and Workforce Exodus
By the end of 2025, approximately 317,000 federal employees are projected to depart from government service, according to the Office of Personnel Management. This includes tens of thousands of firings, with a larger number opting for retirement or resignation. Some individuals reported concerns about job security influencing their decisions to leave.
For example, Liz Goggin, a clinical social worker who previously worked for the Veterans Health Administration (VA) for a decade, resigned in June after two rejections for a buyout offer. Goggin cited the introduction of new directives, such as weekly reporting of five bullet points on accomplishments and a mandate to report anti-Christian bias, as contributing factors to challenging working conditions. She stated she had not observed anti-Christian bias during her VA tenure. Changes in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies also reportedly created uncertainty among staff regarding permissible discussions.
Impact on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Roles
Mahri Stainnak, who worked in the Office of Personnel Management's DEI office, was placed on leave and subsequently fired shortly after President Trump's inauguration. This occurred after Trump signed an executive order targeting DEI initiatives across the government, describing them as "illegal and immoral." Stainnak's work focused on connecting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including veterans, people with disabilities, and graduates from minority-serving institutions, with federal career opportunities. Stainnak, who uses they/them pronouns, reported ongoing difficulties in securing full-time employment and has experienced financial challenges, including the loss of family dental insurance.
Stainnak is a participant in a class-action lawsuit. This lawsuit alleges that the Trump administration unlawfully discriminated against potentially thousands of federal employees in DEI roles, claiming they were targeted based on actual or perceived political beliefs, advocacy for protected groups, or their race or gender. Stainnak noted that the individuals they personally know who were affected are people of color, women, or members of the LGBTQ community. The White House has not yet filed a response to the legal complaint, and NPR's inquiry regarding the lawsuit was declined.
Administration's Perspective and Critiques
President Trump has publicly commented on the changes within the government, stating his intent to "drain the swamp" and stop what he termed a "gravy train" for "unelected bureaucrats." He has asserted that his actions aim to save the country from waste, fraud, and abuse.
Conversely, Max Stier, founding president of the Partnership for Public Service, stated that the changes represent a significant reversal in government operations. Stier expressed concern that the actions could revert the government to a system resembling the 1800s, where public service was not the primary focus. He characterized the scale of the changes as "burning the whole house down."
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 initiatives such as plans to overhaul the air traffic control system and a reported decrease in veterans awaiting benefits as examples of progress toward making government more efficient.
Legal Challenges and Employee Reinstatement
Keri Murphy, who began an administrative role at the Commerce Department in the summer of 2024, was among probationary employees affected by personnel actions starting in March. Many terminated probationary employees reported being informed their dismissal was due to poor performance, despite having received positive evaluations. Murphy herself had recently received an award for outstanding performance.
Legal actions followed, leading to Murphy's temporary reinstatement via court order. She was subsequently terminated again after an appeals court overturned the initial order. A final judgment later this fall determined that the mass firing of probationary employees was illegal. However, the judge did not order workers reinstated. Murphy has since secured a new position, which provides approximately half of her previous government salary and no benefits. Both Murphy and Goggin have indicated they would consider returning to federal employment under a different administration.