For years, I dedicated time to watching the evening news and reading multiple newspapers daily. However, lately, the volume of distressing news has made me rethink my media consumption. I use the word "exposure" intentionally—because right now, the U.S. feels toxic. The political and social divisiveness has reached such a fever pitch that I have set boundaries to protect my mental and emotional well-being.
I was doing a fairly good job of limiting my news intake until I heard about the recent announcement affecting federal employees. U.S. District Judge George O’Toole declined to block the Trump administration’s deferred resignation program for federal employees. This decision follows an email from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to over 2 million civilian government employees with the subject line: "Fork in the Road." The message gave federal workers a stark choice—resign voluntarily and receive pay and benefits through the end of September, or stay employed with no job security guarantee.
According to Richmond, Va opinion writer Joseph McCaughley, “President Donald Trump’s appointee as director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russell Vought, is quoted as saying, “We want the bureaucrats to be traumatically affected. When they wake up in the morning, we want them to not want to go to work because they are increasingly viewed as the villains.” https://richmond.com/opinion/column/discarding-federal-workers-public-servants-hurts-america/article_53eb7178-efb9-11ef-b8d0-034b657bee3c.html#tracking-source=home-top-story.
Some states, including Virginia have taken action to try and mitigate the damage caused by the cuts to workers. “Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced two websites his administration has launched to support Virginians who have lost their jobs as a result of President Donald Trump's sweeping cuts to the federal workforce.” https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/youngkin-federal-employee-initiative-feb-24-2025https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/youngkin-federal-employee-initiative-feb-24-2025
Mr. Vought’s statements and recent events in the news have been difficult for me to digest. As a former government executive, I consider staying informed a civic duty. I make it a point to know what’s happening in the world so I can engage in meaningful dialogue and take appropriate action as a citizen when necessary.
Having spent my career working in state and local government, I understand the weight of this decision. Public servants often earn less than their private-sector counterparts, but they accept this trade-off in exchange for stable benefits, pensions, and a sense of purpose in serving their communities. Now, thousands of federal employees face an uncertain future.
The severance package may seem like a lifeline, but in reality, it’s a temporary fix in an already unstable job market. As of January 2025, the U.S. unemployment rate sits at 4.2%, with key industries downsizing and inflation pushing the cost of living to record highs. Housing costs alone have skyrocketed—home prices are up 6.5% year-over-year, and rental rates have risen by nearly 8%. For federal employees who have mortgages, car payments, and families to support, losing their jobs could lead to financial ruin.
The human impact of this decision cannot be overstated. Many federal workers moved across the country for their roles, uprooting their families with the expectation of long-term employment. Now, they are left wondering how they will pay their bills, afford childcare, or even put food on the table. The stress of this situation doesn’t just affect the employees—it spills over into their marriages, their children’s well-being, and their mental health.
I can’t help but ask: Was there a better way? Wouldn’t it have been more practical to conduct an operational assessment first before presenting employees with such a drastic ultimatum? If I had been in their position, I, too, would likely have taken the severance—at least then I’d have a few months to scramble for a new plan.
I may not be as plugged into the news cycle as I once was, but I know this: leadership is about responsibility. It’s about making hard decisions, yes—but also about considering the ripple effects of those decisions on real people. The abrupt nature of recent decisions relative to government employees feels chaotic, and frankly, cruel.
I am heartbroken for these workers. I am frustrated by the lack of foresight and the impact on citizens. And most of all, I am ashamed that anyone thinks this is acceptable treatment of federal workers who no doubt took an oath to support the constitution and to fulfill their duties on behalf of Americans.
Lou
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