Since President Trump took office, thousands of federal workers have been laid off as his administration pushes to reshape the federal government.
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, widely seen as the driving force behind these firings, does not publish official statistics on job cuts. While some layoffs have been challenged in court, many workers are easily dismissed due to their “probationary period” status, making them more vulnerable to termination.
At the Department of Education, agency leaders that they would be reducing the workforce by half earlier this week, which will impact over 2,000 workers.
The exact number of layoffs remains unclear as new announcements continue to surface, and some terminations have been reversed. However, thousands of employees have received termination notices, upending the lives of households across the country.
Social media has been flooded with posts from government workers sharing their experiences of being fired, along with the stress and financial uncertainty that followed. Many are turning to online platforms to process their emotions and seek support.
Federal workers speak out on social media
Online communities have shown a powerful force for federal workers, impacted by the cuts. On Reddit where users can post anonymously, thousands have shared their experiences and found support among those out of work as well as those still employed.
On Reddit, numerous users identifying as former federal employees have described the abrupt nature of their dismissals. One user, who claimed to have worked at the Department of Education for 15 years, stated that their entire office was let go—along with many others across different departments. The post even mentioned that some Trump supporters were among those affected.
It’s not just those who lost their jobs who are feeling the strain. Another Reddit user, still employed after 15 years in federal service, expressed gratitude for keeping their job but admitted breaking down after seeing many “dedicated” and “wonderful” colleagues lose theirs.
Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley posted a video on X of one federal worker who shared their story, which he described as illegal and unjustifiable. Isabella Isaksen’s life story goes far beyond her time as a federal employee; Isaksen is an Olympian and an Army veteran. Before being terminated, she had served as an officer at the Ochoco National Forest.
LinkedIn becomes a hub for laid-off workers to share their experience
LinkedIn has also become a space for federal workers to share their frustration and heartbreak. Many describe feelings of anger, sadness, and uncertainty. Several former employees have called their federal jobs a “dream job” and expressed devastation at being let go—especially since they had never received negative feedback about their performance.
The long-term impact of these layoffs remains uncertain, but for those affected, the emotional and financial toll is already being felt. Fears of a looming recession, only create more stress for workers now forced to reenter the labor market.