Written by James Anderson.
Federal employees are reportedly apprehensive about the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House with a mission to drain the Swamp by firing them en masse. Trump has made bold promises to overhaul the federal bureaucracy, targeting up to 50,000 government workers he deems incompetent, unnecessary, or obstructive to his anti-establishment agenda. This sweeping reform plan, reported by the Daily Caller, has sent shockwaves through the halls of American government.
A National Park Service employee voiced their concerns, recalling the mass exodus of retirees during Trump’s first term. “If we do have an administration shift, other employees will also reconsider their positions and move to the private sector. I don’t know what I’ll end up doing,” the employee lamented, reflecting the anxiety permeating federal agencies. The specter of Trump’s return has many bureaucrats contemplating their future in public service.
Miles Taylor, who served as chief of staff in the Department of Homeland Security from 2017 to 2019, revealed that some government employees actively worked to thwart Trump’s agenda during his first term. Taylor admitted to being part of this internal resistance, underscoring the deep divisions within the federal workforce.
The Threat of New Appointments
The fear among bureaucrats is not just about job security but also about the potential for Trump to appoint administrators aligned with his vision. Trump’s intention to bring in more competent and loyal individuals has unsettled current employees, particularly those who benefited from the bureaucratic status quo. One park service employee expressed concerns about the potential impact of such appointments, stating, “He’s going to get people in place who are more intelligent and loyal to him. Now I think he could do a lot of damage.”
Trump’s plan includes reclassifying many federal employees as Schedule F, making it easier to replace them. Although the Biden administration finalized a rule in April 2024 to prevent involuntary status changes, Trump’s allies are confident he could reverse it. This ongoing tug-of-war highlights the precarious nature of federal employment under shifting administrations.
Despite these fears, some government employees are preparing for the worst by fortifying Biden administration policies to ensure they are difficult to dismantle. A senior employee at the Interior Department noted, “The concern hasn’t been focused on who the Democratic nominee is as much as concerns about Trump winning and what that would mean. From everyone’s perspective, it is to get as much done as possible. Also, they are trying to bury into the agency programs [like environmental justice] so they can survive a Trump administration.”
Internal Resistance and Long-term Strategies
Federal employees are not only worried about losing their jobs but also about the long-term implications of Trump’s potential second term. Many admit to preparing for a new wave of internal resistance, similar to what occurred during his first presidency. This resistance, however, could be even more pronounced, as employees anticipate Trump’s renewed vigor in implementing his agenda.
The tactics include embedding progressive programs within agencies to make them resilient against policy reversals. This strategic entrenchment aims to safeguard initiatives like environmental justice from being dismantled, even if Trump succeeds in reclassifying employees and appointing loyalists. The bureaucratic maneuvering underscores the high stakes of the upcoming election for federal workers committed to preserving their legacy and influence.
While Trump’s promise to drain the Swamp resonates with his supporters, it represents a looming threat for many in the federal workforce. The fear of mass firings and the installation of loyalists who could reshape agencies fundamentally has led to an atmosphere of uncertainty and unease. The next presidential election, therefore, carries significant implications not just for policy direction but for the very structure of the federal bureaucracy.
Our Take
The apprehension among federal employees about Trump’s potential return to the White House is not just about job security but the broader impact on governance. Trump’s promise to drain the Swamp by firing thousands of bureaucrats and appointing loyalists could lead to a significant shift in how federal agencies operate. This strategy might undermine the continuity and effectiveness of government operations, creating an environment of instability and resistance.
The internal resistance during Trump’s first term and the current efforts to entrench progressive programs highlight the deep divisions within the federal workforce. These actions, while aimed at protecting certain policies, could contribute to a culture of obstruction and inefficiency. The politicization of the federal bureaucracy, whether by entrenched employees or by new appointees, ultimately harms the public interest by prioritizing partisan goals over effective governance.
Moreover, the uncertainty and fear generated by such sweeping changes can demoralize federal employees, leading to a loss of experienced and knowledgeable personnel. This brain drain could weaken the capacity of federal agencies to serve the public effectively. While reforming the bureaucracy is a legitimate goal, it should be pursued in a manner that ensures stability, continuity, and a focus on public service rather than partisan advantage.
