Inside the Trump Purge: Federal Workers Tell Their Stories

Feb 19, 2025

On the campaign trail, Donald J. Trump and his allies left little doubt that, if they returned to power, federal workers would face layoffs, buyouts and agency closures.

Now that President Trump’s plan has become a reality, dozens of federal workers explain what it’s been like to live through it.

Background reading: 

• Here’s where Mr. Trump, Elon Musk and DOGE have cut federal workers so far.
• Stunned government workers are facing sleeplessness, anger and tears.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily.  

Photo: Mandel Ngan/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

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You can listen to the episode here.