Federal employees across various departments are currently facing a mixture of uncertainty, fear, and resignation as they brace for Donald Trump’s return to the White House. In conversations with numerous civil servants, political appointees, and recently exited staffers, a common thread of concern emerges. The apprehension stems from the possibility of budget cutbacks, policy reversals, and personal targeting for perceived disloyalty. This sentiment could trigger a mass exodus, resulting in a significant brain drain from the federal workforce. The incoming administration’s distrust of the executive branch bureaucracy and the alleged “deep state” only adds fuel to the fire.
Fears of Policy Reversals and Budget Cuts
Trump’s policy agenda starkly contrasts with the priorities established under Biden’s presidency. Various departments, especially the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency, are worried about the new administration undoing their progress. Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” approach to energy policy is at odds with the EPA’s climate change initiatives. Similarly, the DOT fears a rollback of their efforts in airline consumer protections and infrastructure investments. This divergence in policy direction is causing significant anxiety among Biden’s appointees and career civil servants alike.
Possibility of Personnel Changes
Another major concern is the change in personnel. Trump’s history of appointing political allies to key positions and his efforts to replace civil servants with political appointees have created an atmosphere of unease. The incoming president has even threatened to relocate thousands of federal jobs out of Washington D.C. This potential restructuring has left many unsure about their future roles and job security.
Impact on Health and Environmental Agencies
The alarm over Trump’s return is particularly palpable among national security officials, environmental agencies, and the federal health agencies. Speculation over Trump’s pledge to let the vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. influence health policy has sparked fears about the future of vaccine research. Similarly, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are worried about potential policy changes and restructuring.
In conclusion, the prospect of another Trump presidency is causing a wave of apprehension among federal employees. The concerns range from policy reversals and budget cuts to personnel changes and restructuring. Some officials are contemplating leaving the government while others are preparing to stay and defend their agencies’ mission. However, amid this uncertainty, there’s also a sense of determination. Many federal employees recognize the importance of their roles and are committed to serving the public, regardless of the administration in power. As one Health and Human Services official put it, the task now is to find potential pathways to work with those they disagree with, and even despise, for the greater good.
