IA «FACT» already wrote, that immediately after taking office, President Trump began a radical reorganization of the government, laying off hundreds of civil servants, ostensibly in an effort to reduce bureaucracy and save the budget. Among disgraced officials — 17 general inspectors from key state institutions, who were replaced by officials loyal to the administration. These decision may have violated a federal law that requires the president to notify Congress of his reasons 30 days before firing.
Among the dismissed are inspectors of the state department, the ministries of defense and transport. Senator Elizabeth Warren called these actions a «purge» that destroys oversight mechanisms. At the same time, Trump’s ally Sidney Powell supported the decision, arguing that the inspector system needed a radical overhaul.
This is not the first time Trump has fired inspectors: he fired five in 2020, including a State Department inspector who played a role in the impeachment process. Although Congress strengthened the inspectors’ protections in 2022, their independence remains under threat due to political pressure.
These actions caused a shock in the state apparatus and society, as they were accompanied by the liquidation of departments competent in the field of climate change and diversity. Unions filed lawsuits accusing the administration of trying to create an authoritarian system. Trump’s voters supported such steps as the fight against the «deep state», but the opposition fears the strengthening of presidential control and the destruction of democratic principles. In a certain sense, these reforms fit into the global context of efforts to reduce bureaucracy, but it is precisely the pace and direction of the newly elected president’s administration that are causing sharp controversy.
Stories of dismissed civil servants: families on the verge of survival, lost career meaning, young specialists without prospects, demoralization of those who remained
At the center of high-profile political decisions are real workers whose lives are being turned upside down. Mass layoffs have come as a shock to thousands of families who have been left in limbo. Hidden behind official reports and figures are stories of fear, confusion and loss of faith in one’s own future.
For many workers, like Sarah, 38, of the National Security Council, release came as a surprise. «We had a morning meeting and were asked to turn in badges and devices and that was it. No explanations, no warnings,— she says. Sarah has worked in government for over 12 years, building her career from intern to strategic analysis expert. Now she fears for her professional reputation and future: «It’s hard for me to imagine how to start all over again when your specialty is the security of the country.»
John, a 45-year-old employee of the Ministry of Justice, learned about his dismissal through an email. «We just bought a house in the suburbs to be closer to the kids school,— he says. Now he worries about whether he will be able to support his family: «My kids ask why I don’t go to work anymore. What to say to them? That I am not loyal enough to the president?” For John, like many others, the issue of employment has become a drama that goes far beyond professional life.
Mary, 55, who has worked at the Transportation Safety Board since its inception, recounts how she was forced into early retirement: “I gave 20 years of my life to this department. It’s not just a job — it’s a calling. Now it seems to me that everything I did has become useless«. Her colleagues, most of whom remained at work, are not relieved either: «We all walk under the sword of Damocles. Who’s next?”
Julia, who joined the State Department a year ago, says that her career plans are ruined. «I dreamed of working in diplomacy. Since childhood, my ideal is people who settle international conflicts. But now I feel that there is no place for us young people«. Julia is considering moving to another country to pursue her career, but admits it will be extremely difficult.
The situation is no less tragic for the workers who have kept their jobs for the time being. They live in constant fear of being next. «We are no longer working on projects, but simply trying not to get cut”, — says Thomas, an employee of the Ministry of Energy. According to him, productivity dropped sharply, and the atmosphere in the office became unbearable: «Nobody knows if he will be here in a month, and that kills any desire to work.»
These dismissals are echoed outside the government walls. People who have dedicated their lives to serving their country are now forced to find work in the commercial market, where their expertise is often undervalued. The families of workers, the communities where they lived and worked, are also feeling the effects of growing financial stress, uncertainty about the future, and frustration with the system.
How trade unions plan to protect workers
Unions of federal employees performed a united front against the Trump administration’s attacks on the state apparatus. Union representatives say that Trump’s orders are an attempt to break the decades-old system that protects officials from arbitrary dismissals and ensures the stability of state institutions. In fact, under the slogans of «efficiency» and «reforms», the administration seeks to eliminate those who have an independent opinion or do not share the political course of the president.
The enabling decrees caused particular anger reclassify civil servants into a new category, and then dismiss them without explanation. «This is not a reform — it is the destruction of the civil service as such«, trade union leaders emphasize. They are sure that behind these actions is the desire to create an apparatus where there will be no room for criticism or professionalism — only for loyalty.
In response, the trade unions filed lawsuits, calling the decrees unconstitutional. They say the administration is abusing its power by undermining the basic principles of an independent public service, and they are asking the courts to stop the attack.
But the struggle is unfolding not only in courtrooms. Trade unions mobilize workers, hold protests, organize meetings and inform the public through the media. Their main argument is simple: it’s not just about jobs. It is about the ability of the state to work for the people, and not for the whims of the political elite.
«The massive layoffs we’re seeing now are a disaster for state efficiency,» — declare the trade union leaders. They warn that without experienced specialists, key areas — from national security to health care — will suffer.
At the same time, unions are appealing to Congress, urging lawmakers to oppose these administration initiatives. For them, it is not just a question of reforms – it is a question of preserving the democratic principles on which the American system is built.
Why the so-called «deep state» bothers Teflon Don
The concept «deep state” (deep state), which Donald Trump actively uses in his political rhetoric, has become one of the key elements of his political campaign and the basis for many of his decisions. It has deep roots in political conspiracy theories, but at the same time has gained popularity among a large part of society, which believes that state institutions are under the control of «invisible forces» that work against the will of the people.
The idea of the «deep state» is based on the assumption that in state structures — the bureaucracy, special services, the military, the judicial system — there is an invisible network of influencers who work for their own interests, and not for the interests of citizens or legitimately elected authorities. According to the concept, these groups sabotage the president’s policies, influence decision-making and maintain control over the state even when political power changes.
Trump often describes the «deep state» as an enemy of his administration, accusing career officials and bureaucrats of hidden resistance to his reforms and policy. In his interpretation, this is a conspiracy of «elites» directed against «ordinary Americans».
The dismissal of officials, the reorganization of institutions, the cancellation of the policies of the predecessors — all this is presented as part of the fight against the «deep state». This allows the administration to justify aggressive actions, even if they provoke criticism or legal challenges.
The idea of a «deep state» strengthens polarization, creating a division between «us» and «them.» Trump appeals to his supporters, showing that he is the only leader who fights for their interests against the «corrupt elites». This helps to mobilize the base, but at the same time exacerbates conflicts between different groups in society. Rhetoric about the «deep state» allows you to avoid responsibility for real failures in politics. Instead of looking for the causes of problems in one’s own actions or decisions, they are translated into «hidden enemies».
The reality is more complicated than Trump portrays. Every state has a bureaucracy that works independently of the political authorities. This is necessary for the stability of the system and ensuring its operation even during political crises. However, allegations of a conspiracy to sabotage the president are often based on unproven theories and serve more political purposes than they describe reality.
What are the risks of dismissal for the functioning of the state apparatus, and is legal opposition possible
Decision Trump’s plan to destroy the established civil service system and massively lay off workers has become a powerful political explosion, the consequences of which can change the fundamental principles of the functioning of the American state. The legal and political consequences of these steps are already alarming, as they threaten both the independence of the state apparatus and trust in state institutions.
Unions and public activists sound the alarm: Trump’s orders open a dangerous path to the politicization of the public service. New rules that allow officials to be fired «at will» undermine the key principle that civil servants should work for the good of society, not to please the political elite. If this trend takes hold, each subsequent administration will be able to organize personnel «purges», turning public institutions into an arena of political games.
But this is only the tip of the iceberg. Legal challenges currently being prepared by trade unions and opposition politicians could be a turning point in the standoff. The courts are already debating the unconstitutionality of Trump’s decrees. And if these actions are found to be illegal, it will send a powerful signal to future administrations: manipulation of civil servants is not acceptable.
Politically, the consequences can be even deeper. Trump risks leaving behind a broken and demoralized state apparatus. The loss of experienced professionals can undermine the effectiveness of key agencies, from national security to health care. Society that sees these «purges» loses confidence in state institutions, and this is a dangerous signal for democracy as a whole.
However, Trump’s actions can become an impetus for serious reform. Congress, the courts, and the public have a chance to review the principles of how the civil service operates, create new barriers to arbitrary actions, and protect institutions from similar attacks in the future.
Mass dismissals of civil servants can be a real earthquake for the American public administration. Where stability has been built for years, chaos is now growing. The state apparatus, which should be the engine of national security, justice, foreign policy and social programs, risks turning into a slipping mechanism, affected by political ambitions and a lack of specialists.
When dozens of experts are fired from the National Security Council, it is not just personnel changes — it is a threat to the country’s ability to respond to terrorist attacks, cybercrime or geopolitical crises. Layoffs in such structures as the Transportation Security Administration or the Coast Guard jeopardize the safety of aviation and maritime transport. The US, which has always prided itself on its defense capabilities, risks being left without those who actually hold that shield.
When the Department of Justice loses experienced attorneys, not only does the justice system suffer, but so does trust in it. Mistakes in court proceedings, delays in consideration of cases, lack of a professional approach — all this can become a new reality. And the impunity of corrupt people and criminals will only increase the distrust of citizens.
Resignations in the State Department are not just a formality, they are a risk of losing influence in the international arena. Professionals who have worked on complex regional issues for years may be replaced by political appointees without relevant experience. In a world where every move in foreign policy matters, such changes can be costly.
In the midst of global challenges — from pandemics to climate change — cuts in institutions responsible for public health seem like playing with fire. The loss of scientists and experts slows innovation and calls into question the country’s ability to respond to new threats.
For those who remain in their positions, the fear of being next on the firing list is a daily reality. Demoralization, reduced motivation and confusion among workers are becoming the new face of the state apparatus. Institutional memory, which holds decades of experience, is lost with each dismissal.
These actions can create a long-lasting domino effect. If the apparatus that provides security, justice, foreign policy, and social services begins to fail, millions of Americans will suffer. This is no longer about a political struggle, but about whether the state will be able to function for its citizens.
Critics warn: this path leads to the weakening of institutions that are the basis of state stability. What begins as a «reform» can turn into a crisis, the consequences of which will have to be corrected for years. And the question is whether society is ready to allow this experiment on its state.
Tetyana Viktorova
