‘I am terrified’: Workers describe the dark mood inside federal agencies

President Trump’s recent executive orders targeting the federal workforce have sparked anxiety among federal employees, with some contemplating resignations and others preparing grievances through unions. The orders, issued shortly after Trump began his second term, eliminate diversity programs, impose a hiring freeze, and remove remote work arrangements, causing uncertainty across agencies.

At the Environmental Protection Agency, employees are preparing for early retirements or job transitions. One staffer described Trump’s return as “version 2.0” and expressed frustration. Similar concerns emerged at the State Department, where directives to report staff whose roles include diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) elements have been perceived as efforts to dismantle DEI initiatives entirely.

The Office of Personnel Management has instructed agencies to review recent hires for possible terminations, leading to fears of widespread job cuts. Federal employees, particularly those in probationary periods, feel vulnerable. Union membership has surged in agencies like NASA, as workers seek protections.