Right now there are hundreds of thousands of federal workers staring at the abyss, as an unprecedented wave of mass firings is sweeping through the federal workforce. Two and a half million workers—dedicated public servants—are either already dismissed or living in constant fear that they will be next. These are not just numbers. They are people with families, responsibilities, and years of service to their country.

Every day, I see colleagues grappling with the trauma of sudden job loss, stripped not just of their livelihoods but of their sense of purpose. Those who remain are paralyzed by uncertainty, waking up each morning wondering if today is the day their career ends. Families are suffering in silence, trying to hold things together while the world moves on as if nothing is happening.

What makes this even more painful is the silence—not just from the media but from society at large. Our struggles go unseen, our sacrifices unacknowledged. We dedicated our lives to serving the public, and now, in our darkest hour, we are left to navigate this storm alone.

To my fellow federal workers, I see you. I hear you. You are not alone in your fear, anger, or heartbreak. No matter what happens next, know that your service mattered, that you are valued, and that we stand together.

To those outside this crisis: pay attention. What is happening now will have consequences far beyond our jobs. The very institutions that keep society running are being gutted, and the human cost is real.

Silence should never be the response to injustice. It’s time to acknowledge, to speak up, and to stand with those who have served.

Last modified: February 16, 2025