¶ Overview
Virginia Lieutenant Governor fully embraced Donald Trump’s firings of federal workers and massive government cuts, even as the cuts affected Virginia workers and veterans.
- Earle-Sears tried to recast Trump’s DOGE firings as “auditing,” “looking for savings,” and getting rid of bureaucracy.
- Earle-Sears downplayed the impact of Trump’s firings of Virginia’s federal workforce, including being caught in a leaked recording saying people lose jobs “all the time.”
- Earle-Sears dodged reporters’ questions about Trump firing Virginia-based federal workers en masse.
- Earle-Sears made ill-fated attempts to reassure fired federal workers and pushed job replacements that often did not match fired workers’ expertise.
- Earle-Sears touted projects and agencies expected to face firings and cuts from DOGE.
- Earle-Sears was criticized for supporting DOGE even as its cuts were expected to impact Virginia disproportionately.
¶ Earle-Sears Supported Donald Trump DOGE Firings Of Federal Workers
¶ Earle-Sears And Her Campaign Were “Fully Embracing” Trump And Advocating For His Policies Amid His Firings Of Federal Workers
¶ Washington Post Reported Earle-Sears And Her Campaign Were “Fully Embracing” Donald Trump Despite His General Unpopularity In Virginia And His Efforts To Fire Federal Workers Based In Virginia
Washington Post: Earle-Sears Was “Fully Embracing” Donald Trump Despite His Losses In Virginia’s Presidential Elections And His Efforts To Fire Federal Workers Based In Virginia. According to the Washington Post, “Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, Gov. Glenn Youngkin and other Virginia Republicans are fully embracing President Donald Trump despite his losses in the state’s elections. In a Virginia election year, it might seem as though the Trump administration’s efforts to slash the federal workforce and gut federal spending would create stiff headwinds for the president’s fellow Republicans who are running for governor. After all, Virginia’s government-dependent economy has the potential to be more disrupted than that of almost any other state, and those targeted civil servants are crucial suburban voters. But Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (R) has at least two challengers from the right for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, and all of them are elbowing one another to strike the most pro-Trump pose. Virginia’s competitive statewide elections are widely seen as the first big test of national voter sentiment under the new administration in Washington, so the dynamics here will influence how the political parties approach next year’s congressional midterms. ‘President Donald Trump is fighting tirelessly to protect Americans from out-of-touch policies. Winsome Earle-Sears stands alongside him,’ her campaign posted the day after Trump delivered a starkly partisan address to Congress earlier this month. The statement was accompanied by a video attacking Democratic policies that Earle-Sears called a ‘Parade of Horribles.’” [Washington Post, 3/17/25]
¶ Earle-Sears’ Campaign Spokesperson Said Earle-Sears “Stands Alongside” Trump And That Trump’s Policies Were “Exactly What Virginia Needs”
Earle-Sears Campaign: “Trump Is Fighting Tirelessly To Protect Americans From Out-Of-Touch Policies. Winsome Earle-Sears Stands Alongside Him.” According to the Washington Post, “But Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (R) has at least two challengers from the right for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, and all of them are elbowing one another to strike the most pro-Trump pose. Virginia’s competitive statewide elections are widely seen as the first big test of national voter sentiment under the new administration in Washington, so the dynamics here will influence how the political parties approach next year’s congressional midterms. ‘President Donald Trump is fighting tirelessly to protect Americans from out-of-touch policies. Winsome Earle-Sears stands alongside him,’ her campaign posted the day after Trump delivered a starkly partisan address to Congress earlier this month. The statement was accompanied by a video attacking Democratic policies that Earle-Sears called a ‘Parade of Horribles.’” [Washington Post, 3/17/25]
Earle-Sears’ Campaign Spokesperson Peyton Vogel Said Trump’s Policies Were “Exactly What Virginia Needs.” According to the Washington Post, “Earle-Sears has echoed Youngkin’s sentiment, while LaRock and Chase have called even more stridently for further cuts. ‘Logically, it makes little sense,’ said Mark Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. ‘This is their own constituents and people are mad, and trying to find some middle path just isn’t working. … Following Trump is clearly not the path to success in Virginia.’ But Earle-Sears’s campaign said the strategy should surprise no one. ‘President Trump’s commonsense policies — securing borders, protecting parents’ rights, and prioritizing hard working Americans — are exactly what Virginia needs,’ Earle-Sears campaign spokeswoman Peyton Vogel said in a text message to The Washington Post.” [Washington Post, 3/17/25]
¶ Political Analysts Told The Washington Post It Did Not Make Sense For Earle-Sears To Back Trump Or Find A “Middle Ground” As His Job Cuts Impacted Virginians
George Mason University Political Analyst Mark Rozell Said It Did Not Make Sense For Earle-Sears To Embrace Trump Or Find “Some Middle Path” As Trump Cut Virginia Jobs. According to the Washington Post, “After Trump’s speech, Youngkin posted on X: ‘America is back. Promises made, promises kept.’ He praised Trump’s ‘historic’ first six weeks, though he had been left in an uncomfortable pickle by the president’s insistence on purging the federal workers who help prop up Virginia’s economy. Youngkin has expressed sympathy for their plight and set up a website touting other employment available in Virginia while simultaneously condemning the government jobs as part of ‘bloat and inefficiency’ that must be cut. Earle-Sears has echoed Youngkin’s sentiment, while LaRock and Chase have called even more stridently for further cuts. ‘Logically, it makes little sense,’ said Mark Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. ‘This is their own constituents and people are mad, and trying to find some middle path just isn’t working. … Following Trump is clearly not the path to success in Virginia.’” [Washington Post, 3/17/25]
- Earle-Sears And Youngkin Praised Trump’s “Historic” First Weeks In Office, But Tried To Express Sympathy For Fired Federal Workers. According to the Washington Post, “After Trump’s speech, Youngkin posted on X: ‘America is back. Promises made, promises kept.’ He praised Trump’s ‘historic’ first six weeks, though he had been left in an uncomfortable pickle by the president’s insistence on purging the federal workers who help prop up Virginia’s economy. Youngkin has expressed sympathy for their plight and set up a website touting other employment available in Virginia while simultaneously condemning the government jobs as part of ‘bloat and inefficiency’ that must be cut. Earle-Sears has echoed Youngkin’s sentiment, while LaRock and Chase have called even more stridently for further cuts.” [Washington Post, 3/17/25]
¶ Association Of Mature American Citizens: Earle-Sears “Expressed Her Support For DOGE,” And “Praised Trump For ‘Getting To The Bottom Of All Of This’”
Association Of Mature American Citizens: Earle-Sears “Expressed Her Support For DOGE,” And “Praised Trump For ‘Getting To The Bottom Of All Of This.’” According to the Association of Mature American Citizens, “During an event in Bowling Green, Virginia, earlier this month, Sears expressed her support for DOGE’s initiatives, praising Trump for ‘getting to the bottom of all this,’ referring to government waste, fraud, and abuse. ‘We do want people to be employed,’ she continued. ‘That’s a given. What we want to know is how are we spending the taxpayers’ money, who is spending the money… and is there a better way to spend the money?’ In an interview with The Associated Press, Sears added that ‘the president was elected fully explaining what he was going to do. He didn’t hide anything from anyone.’ On the topic of government agencies suffering from layoffs, she declared that ‘no one likes bureaucracy — we want to get things done. And unfortunately, sometimes the government stands in the way of the people.’” [Association of Mature American Citizens, 2/28/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Tried To Recast Trump’s DOGE Firings As “Auditing,” “Looking For Savings,” And Getting Rid Of Bureaucracy That “No One Likes”
¶ Earle-Sears Characterize Trump’s Firings Of Federal Workers As “Auditing” And “Getting Rid Of Bureaucracy” That “No One Likes”
¶ Just The News Summarized Earle-Sears’ Public Statements In Support Of Trump’s Firings Of Federal Workers, Which She Defended As “Auditing” And Getting Rid Of “Bureaucracy” That “No One Likes”
Just The News Summarized Earle-Sears’ Support For Trump’s Mass Firings Of Federal Workers, Many Of Whom Lived In Virginia. According to Just the News, “President Donald Trump’s promise to cut wasteful spending in the federal government by reducing its workforce may have a negative impact on the electoral chances of the Republican nominee in the Virginia gubernatorial election since many federal employees live in the Old Dominion. […] As the White House is focusing on trimming the federal government, Virginia's Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears said that taxpayers do not want to spend more on the government than is necessary, and that Trump is fulfilling his campaign promises.” [Just the News, 3/13/25]
- Earle-Sears Suggested People Should Have Anticipated Trump’s Actions, Saying “The President Was Elected Fully Explaining What He Was Going To Do. He Didn’t Hide Anything From Anyone.” According to Just the News, “As the White House is focusing on trimming the federal government, Virginia's Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears said that taxpayers do not want to spend more on the government than is necessary, and that Trump is fulfilling his campaign promises. ‘The president was elected fully explaining what he was going to do,’ Earle-Sears said. ‘He didn’t hide anything from anyone.’” [Just the News, 3/13/25]
- Earle-Sears Characterized Trump’s Actions Against The Federal Workforce As An Audit Or Assessment: “The President… What He’s Doing Is He’s Assessing. He’s Making An Audit Of Who’s Doing What… Can We Make Some Savings?” According to Just the News, “Earle-Sears has been noted by some political observers as the presumptive GOP candidate, but that may be changing as primary challengers have entered the race. She also voiced support for Trump’s efforts to audit the federal government. ‘The president, if I’m understanding right, what he’s doing is he’s assessing,’ she said. ‘He’s making an audit of who’s doing what, how are they doing it, where are they doing it and how are they supposed to be doing it? Is it according to the law? Can we make some savings?’” [Just the News, 3/13/25]
- Earle-Sears Characterized Fired Federal Workers As “Bureaucracy” That “No One Likes,” Adding “Sometimes The Government Stands In The Way Of The People.” According to Just the News, “Earle-Sears, who has been endorsed by Youngkin, also defended Trump’s actions to cut down on government bureaucracy. ‘No one likes bureaucracy – we want to get things done,’ Earle-Sears said. ‘And unfortunately, sometimes the government stands in the way of the people.’” [Just the News, 3/13/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Characterized Trump’s Firings Of Federal Workers As “Looking For Savings”
¶ Daily Press Reported On Earle-Sears’ Comments In Support Of Trump’s Federal Workforce Cuts, Which Earle-Sears Described As “Looking For Savings”
Daily Press Reported On Earle-Sears’ Comments In Support Of Trump’s Federal Workforce Cuts, Which Earle-Sears Described As “Looking For Savings.” According to the Daily Press, “Earle-Sears’ campaign did not return a request for comment Saturday. However, the 60-year-old former Norfolk delegate recently told the Associated Press that Trump was taking inventory of the federal workforce and looking for savings, a move she supported. On Feb. 1, Spanberger hosted a meet-and-greet event for area veterans with Del. Michael Feggans, D-Virginia Beach, and also spent time that weekend touring other Hampton Roads locations, according to the campaign.” [Daily Press, 2/16/25]
- Earle-Sears’ Potential Opponent Abigail Spanberger Campaigned In Hampton Roads Against Trump’s Federal Workforce Cuts, Arguing The Cuts Would Be “Catastrophic” To Virginians’ Livelihoods And Virginia’s Economy. According to the Daily Press, “Former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger spent a Saturday in Hampton Roads for the second time this month, trying to make her case that she is up to the challenge of taking on Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in this year’s race for Virginia governor. […] She also sounded the alarm about President Donald Trump and adviser Elon Musk’s plans to gut the federal workforce. According to Associated Press reporting, the Trump administration began laying off probationary employees at several federal agencies last week, including the Department of Veterans Affairs. Roughly 5.7% of the Hampton Roads workforce is federal employees, according to an analysis of federal data by The Washington Post. ‘The potential impacts are catastrophic on the livelihoods of individual Virginians, on Virginia’s economy,’ she said. Beyond workers and their families, extensive cuts could hurt the small businesses they frequent and harm Virginia’s ability to pay out unemployment benefits, Spanberger said. ‘If you think you’re gonna lose your job, or you’re filled with worry, you’re not taking your family out for dinner on Friday,’ she said. ‘You’re not going to the movies.’” [Daily Press, 2/16/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Endorsed Trump’s “DOGE” Initiative, Which Promised Large Scale Job Cuts For Federal Workers In Northern Virginia, Saying “Americans Deserve To Know Their Tax Dollars Are Being Used Wisely”
Earle-Sears Endorsed Donald Trump, Elon Musk, And Vivek Ramaswamy’s “DOGE” Initiative, Which Promised Large Scale Job Cuts For Federal Workers, Including Those In The Northern Virginia Suburbs Of Washington D.C. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, “Gov. Glenn Youngkin has joined other Republican governors in a letter to congressional leaders voicing their ‘overwhelming support’ for efforts by President-elect Donald Trump and his new Department of Government Efficiency to cut the federal government workforce and spending, which economists warn could harm Virginia’s economy. The Republican Governors Association sent a letter on Friday, signed by Youngkin and 25 other Republican governors, throwing their support behind DOGE. Trump proposed the new entry to slash the federal workforce, moving employees and agencies outside of the Washington, D.C., area, including the Northern Virginia suburbs that depend on them economically. […] Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who is running for the Republican nomination to succeed Youngkin, also backed the DOGE initiative on Friday.” [Richmond Times-Dispatch, 1/11/25]
- Earle-Sears Said “Americans Deserve To Know Their Tax Dollars Are Being Used Wisely… Increasing Transparency, Effectiveness, And Accountability Have Been Priorities For The Youngkin-Sears Administration.” According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, “Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who is running for the Republican nomination to succeed Youngkin, also backed the DOGE initiative on Friday. ‘Government must be responsive to the people, and Americans deserve to know their tax dollars are being used wisely,’ she said in a statement. ‘Reducing barriers and regulations, and increasing transparency, effectiveness, and accountability have been priorities for the Youngkin-Earle-Sears Administration. We do not apologize for being good stewards of the mission that the people of Virginia have given to us.’” [Richmond Times-Dispatch, 1/11/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Argued That Voters Knew Trump Would Fire Federal Workers En Masse When They Elected Him, And Said “He Didn’t Hide Anything From Anyone”
¶ Earle-Sears Backed Trump’s Executive Actions Freezing Federal Funding And Cutting Federal Workers, Arguing Voters Knew What Trump Would Do In Office, Even As Virginia Health Centers And Other Services Were Affected
Earle-Sears Defended Trump’s Actions In His First Three Weeks In Office, Saying Trump “Was Elected Fully Explaining What He Was Going To Do. He Didn’t Hide Anything From Anyone.” According to the Associated Press, “A former Democratic congresswoman, Abigail Spanberger, and the Republican lieutenant governor, Winsome Earle-Sears, are the leading contenders for governor. The primaries are in June. Earle-Sears said taxpayers do not want to pay more than is needed for their government, and that what Trump is doing should come as no surprise. ‘The president was elected fully explaining what he was going to do,’ she said. ‘He didn’t hide anything from anyone.’” [Associated Press, 2/8/25]
Asked Whether She Supported Trump “Unilaterally Killing Virginia Jobs,” Earle-Sears Said “No One Likes Bureaucracy… Sometimes The Government Stands In The Way Of The People.” According to the Associated Press, “The state Democratic Party has released statements pressing Earle-Sears and other Republicans to answer whether they ‘support Trump unilaterally killing Virginia jobs.’ Earle-Sears isn’t having any of it. ‘No one likes bureaucracy – we want to get things done,’ she said. ‘And unfortunately, sometimes the government stands in the way of the people.’” [Associated Press, 2/8/25]
Earle-Sears Argued That The Country Elected Trump To Make Changes. According to Politico, “Could Trump’s buzzsaw against the federal government help Democrats flip the Virginia governor’s mansion in November? AP’s Olivia Diaz reports from Richmond that the party has blasted Republicans over his cuts, with an eye toward the state’s large number of federal workers and contractors. Democrat Abigail Spanberger says Trump has threatened the state’s economy well beyond just the feds, while Republicans like Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears argue that the country elected Trump to make changes.” [Politico, 2/9/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Characterized Trump’s Federal Funding Freeze And Workforce Cuts As Trump “Looking For Savings” As Trump’s Executive Actions Have Affected Virginia Community Health Centers And Other Essential Services
Earle-Sears Suggested She Supported Trump’s Cuts To Federal Funding And Workforce, And Argued Trump Was Taking An Audit Or Assessing Spending In The Federal Government To Look For Savings. According to the Associated Press, “In Richmond, Democrat Don Scott, the state House of Delegates speaker, said a new bipartisan House committee will size up the impact on the federal workforce. He said political leaders should use ‘every tool in our toolbox to combat this chaos and protect Virginians’ livelihoods.’ Earle-Sears, meanwhile, said she backed Trump’s effort to take inventory of federal spending. ‘The president, if I’m understanding right, what he’s doing is he’s assessing,’ she said in an interview. ‘He’s making an audit of who’s doing what, how are they doing it, where are they doing it and how are they supposed to be doing it? Is it according to the law? Can we make some savings?’” [Associated Press, 2/8/25]
- Associated Press Reported Trump’s Aggressive Push To Cut Government Jobs Could Impact The 2025 Virginia Governor’s Race, As The State Had 145,000 Federal Employees And Many More Government Contractors. According to the Associated Press, “The Trump administration’s aggressive push to cut government jobs is reverberating in the early stages of this year’s race for governor in Virginia. The fast-moving effort by Republican President Donald Trump to overhaul the federal workforce could have a sweeping impact in the state, home to some 145,000 federal employees and many more government contractors. Virginia, which along with New Jersey is picking a new governor in 2025, is already regarded as something of an early indicator of voter attitudes between presidential elections and seems certain to attract closer attention as the contest takes shape.” [Associated Press, 2/8/25]
- Associated Press: “Legal Challenges Continue To Changes That Have Affected Community Health Centers And Other Essential Services In Virginia.” According to the Associated Press, “The new administration has offered financial incentives to federal workers as part of a deferred resignation program orchestrated by Trump adviser Elon Musk. It has begun layoffs around the world and, only after court intervention, rescinded a plan for a broad pause on federal grants and loans. Legal challenges continue to changes that have affected community health centers and other essential services in Virginia.” [Associated Press, 2/8/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Defended Trump’s Executive Order, Issued To Make It Easier For Him To Fire Thousands Of Federal Employees Who He Suspected Were Not Loyal To Him Personally: “That Should Not Be Controversial”
Earle-Sears Defended Trump’s Executive Order Expected To Make It Easier For Him To Fire Thousands Of Federal Employees Who He Suspected Were Not Loyal To Him Personally. According to Virginia Political Newsletter, “Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger responded to one of President Donald Trump’s executive that removes protections for federal workers. The order reclassifies federal employees as political appointees, making it easier for Trump to fire individuals that he believes are not loyal to him. ‘Virginia is home to thousands of federal employees who work tirelessly each day to keep America’s communities strong, safe, and connected,’ Spanberger said Tuesday. ‘They are nonpartisan professionals who have devoted their careers to serving our nation. When the President threatens to fire these federal workers and redesignate their jobs as appointee positions, he’s not only threatening the jobs and livelihoods of our Virginia neighbors and their families — he’s prioritizing political allegiance over nonpartisan expertise and experience in some of our country’s most consequential roles. […] Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears, the only Republican currently running for governor, defended Trump in a statement to Virginia Scope. ‘The president, as with all employers, is seeking effectiveness and accountability—that should not be controversial,’ Sears said. ‘All government employees are accountable to the people.’” [Virginia Political Newsletter, 1/21/25]
- Earle-Sears’ Prospective Opponent Abigail Spanberger Described Trump’s Executive Order As A Threat To The Livelihoods Of Thousands Of Virginians And A Prioritization Of Political Allegiance Over Expertise In Some Of The Nation’s Most Consequential Jobs. According to Virginia Political Newsletter, “Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger responded to one of President Donald Trump’s executive that removes protections for federal workers. The order reclassifies federal employees as political appointees, making it easier for Trump to fire individuals that he believes are not loyal to him. ‘Virginia is home to thousands of federal employees who work tirelessly each day to keep America’s communities strong, safe, and connected,’ Spanberger said Tuesday. ‘They are nonpartisan professionals who have devoted their careers to serving our nation. When the President threatens to fire these federal workers and redesignate their jobs as appointee positions, he’s not only threatening the jobs and livelihoods of our Virginia neighbors and their families — he’s prioritizing political allegiance over nonpartisan expertise and experience in some of our country’s most consequential roles.” [Virginia Political Newsletter, 1/21/25]
Earle-Sears Defended Trump’s Executive Order Reclassifying Federal Employees: “It’s Common Sense Folks. The President, As With All Employers, Is Seeking Effectiveness And Accountability – That Should Not Be Controversial.” According to Earle-Sears' Facebook, “It’s just common sense folks. ‘The president, as with all employers, is seeking effectiveness and accountability—that should not be controversial,’ Sears said. ‘All government employees are accountable to the people.’”
[Facebook, Winsome Earle-Sears, 1/22/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Repeatedly Downplayed And Minimized The Impact Of Trump’s Firings Of Virginia’s Federal Workforce Including In A Leaked Recording
¶ Earle-Sears Was Caught Downplaying Trump’s Firings Of Federal Workers, Saying People Lose Jobs “All The Time,” And Saying She Did Not Understand Why The Media Was Making It A “Huge Thing”
¶ A Recording Of Earle-Sears Downplaying Trump’s Cuts To Federal Workforce Drew A Strong Condemnation From Leaders Of Federal Employee Unions
Meidas Touch Audio: Earle-Sears Downplayed Trump’s Federal Worker Firings, Saying “How Many Here Have Ever Lost A Job? Oh, So You Mean It’s Not Unusual?... The Media Is Making Out To Be This Huge, Huge Thing. And I Don’t Understand Why.” According to American Bridge 21st Century on Twitter, “EARLE-SEARS: ‘Now I’m hearing about DOGE and all of that. Yes, we don’t want folks to lose their jobs. We have over 250,000 jobs that we’ve created since we’ve been in office. So if you’ve lost your job- and how many here have ever lost a job? Oh, you mean it’s not unusual? It happens to everybody all the time? Okay. And the media is making out to be this huge, huge thing. And I don’t understand why.”
[Twitter, @American_Bridge, 4/2/25]
HEADLINE: “Earle-Sears Comments On Federal Layoffs Spark Outcry From Unions, Veterans” [Virginia Mercury, 4/4/25]
A Recording Of Earle-Sears Downplaying Trump’s Cuts To Federal Workforce Drew Criticism From Federal Employee Unions And Veterans. According to Virginia Mercury, “A newly surfaced recording of Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears is drawing sharp criticism from Democrats and federal employee unions, who say her remarks downplaying the impact of recent federal layoffs show a disregard for the thousands of Virginians — many of them veterans — who have lost their jobs under President Donald Trump’s administration’s workforce cuts. In the clip, released last week by the progressive media outlet Meidas Touch, Earle-Sears is heard downplaying concerns from federal workers about job losses tied to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has already axed more than 6,000 veterans and is on track to cut at least 80,000 VA employees nationwide, according to the Associated Press. In the recording, which appears to be from a March 13 gathering, Earle-Sears addresses the recent federal layoffs tied to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). ‘Now I’m hearing about DOGE and all of that,’ she begins, before quickly shifting to a broader defense of Virginia’s job market. She insists that ‘we don’t want folks to lose their jobs,’ but points to what she says are ‘over 250,000 jobs that we’ve created since we’ve been in office’ as evidence of economic strength. Earle-Sears then pivots to suggest that job loss is a common experience, asking the crowd, ‘How many here have ever lost a job?’ When some respond affirmatively, she continues: ‘Oh, you mean it’s not unusual? It happens to everybody all the time? Okay.’ She concludes by criticizing the media coverage surrounding the layoffs, saying, ‘The media is making it out to be this huge, huge thing. And I don’t understand why.’” [Virginia Mercury, 4/4/25]
¶ Christine Surette Of The American Federation Of Government Employees Said Earle-Sears “Was Not On The Side Of Virginians,” And That She Downplayed The Firings As Some Fired Workers Committed Suicide
Christine Surette, National Vice President Of The American Federation Of Government Employees, Condemned Earle-Sears’ Comments: “She Was Caught On Tape Saying She Doesn’t Know Why This Is A Huge Deal.” According to Virginia Mercury, “The reaction from union officials and political opponents was swift. ‘She was caught on tape saying she doesn’t know why this is a huge deal,’ said Christine Surette, national vice president for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) District 4 and a former VA employee. ‘I’ve had to console employees who were laid off, who don’t know how they’ll make rent. Some have taken their own lives. Sears isn’t on the side of Virginians,’ Surette said on a Zoom call set up by the Democratic Party of Virginia Thursday. Earle-Sears, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran herself, is currently leading the pack in the Republican gubernatorial primary and has leaned heavily into her alignment with Gov. Glenn Youngkin and, despite disavowing him more than two years ago, Trump.” [Virginia Mercury, 4/4/25]
- Surette Said Some Fired Federal Employees Had Committed Suicide. According to Virginia Mercury, “The reaction from union officials and political opponents was swift. ‘She was caught on tape saying she doesn’t know why this is a huge deal,’ said Christine Surette, national vice president for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) District 4 and a former VA employee. ‘I’ve had to console employees who were laid off, who don’t know how they’ll make rent. Some have taken their own lives. Sears isn’t on the side of Virginians,’ Surette said on a Zoom call set up by the Democratic Party of Virginia Thursday. Earle-Sears, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran herself, is currently leading the pack in the Republican gubernatorial primary and has leaned heavily into her alignment with Gov. Glenn Youngkin and, despite disavowing him more than two years ago, Trump.” [Virginia Mercury, 4/4/25]
- Surette Said: “I’ve Had To Console Employees Who Were Laid Off, Who Don’t Know How They’ll Make Rent… Sears Isn’t On The Side Of Virginians.” According to Virginia Mercury, “The reaction from union officials and political opponents was swift. ‘She was caught on tape saying she doesn’t know why this is a huge deal,’ said Christine Surette, national vice president for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) District 4 and a former VA employee. ‘I’ve had to console employees who were laid off, who don’t know how they’ll make rent. Some have taken their own lives. Sears isn’t on the side of Virginians,’ Surette said on a Zoom call set up by the Democratic Party of Virginia Thursday. Earle-Sears, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran herself, is currently leading the pack in the Republican gubernatorial primary and has leaned heavily into her alignment with Gov. Glenn Youngkin and, despite disavowing him more than two years ago, Trump.” [Virginia Mercury, 4/4/25]
- Surette Said Earle-Sears’ And Youngkin’s “Virginia Has Jobs” Platform Was Not Enough To Help Fired Federal Workers, Many Of Whom Were Veterans, Specialized Workers, And “They Deserve More Than Lip Service” From Earle-Sears. According to Virginia Mercury, “Less than a week after the leaked remarks were recorded, Earle-Sears appeared alongside Youngkin at a March 19 event in Richmond where both officials defended the job cuts as part of a larger plan for national economic health. ‘Today, we know we have a federal government that is facing huge fiscal issues with $37 trillion in debt, with $2 trillion being added every year,’ Youngkin said. ‘What that requires is real action quickly.’ Earle-Sears echoed the message, calling Virginia ‘resilient’ and citing CNBC’s ranking of the commonwealth as the top state for business in 2024. Both touted the state’s Virginia Has Jobs platform, which they say lists over 250,000 available positions for displaced workers. But union leaders say those promises don’t match reality. ‘These workers can’t just walk into another job next week,’ said Surette. ‘Many are specialized professionals. Some are still waiting on severance. And in the meantime, veterans are waiting on appointments, prescriptions, and essential services.’ Surette added that the disruption goes far beyond temporary economic turbulence, but that it strikes at the heart of the values many federal employees hold. ‘These are people who dedicated their lives to serving others … many of them twice, first in uniform and then in federal agencies. They deserve more than lip service. They deserve respect, support, and stability.’” [Virginia Mercury, 4/4/25]
¶ Monique Samuels, President Of A Union That Represents Defense Logistics Agency Workers, Said “She’s Talking About Someone’s Life Being Turned Upside Down… Sears Doesn’t Care”
Monique Samuels, President Of A Union That Represents Defense Logistics Agency Workers, Said “She’s Talking About Someone’s Life Being Turned Upside Down… There Will Be A Larger Economic Impact That Will Hurt Every Virginian, But Sears Doesn’t Care.” According to Virginia Mercury, “Earle-Sears went on to promote Youngkin’s plan to connect laid-off federal employees with new job opportunities in Virginia. But her critics say the damage is done. ‘She’s talking about someone’s life being turned upside down,’ said Monique Samuels, president of AFGE Local 1992, which represents Defense Logistics Agency workers in Richmond. ‘Losing a job in any situation is devastating. With thousands of Virginians facing layoffs, there will be a larger economic impact that will hurt every Virginian, but Sears doesn’t care.’” [Virginia Mercury, 4/4/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Campaign Spokesman Declined To Comment On The Earle-Sears Recording But Pointed To A Video Earle-Sears Posted Where She Said “We See You” To Federal Workers While Also Reaffirming Her Support For Trump’s Cuts
Earle-Sears Campaign Spokesman Declined To Comment On The Earle-Sears Recording But Pointed To A Video Earle-Sears Posted Where She Said “We See You” To Federal Workers While Also Reaffirming Her Support For Trump’s Cuts. According to Virginia Mercury, “A spokeswoman for Earle-Sears’ campaign declined to comment, but pointed to a video the lieutenant governor posted on X, formerly Twitter, in February, where she expressed empathy for federal workers facing layoffs. ‘I have been in your shoes and I totally understand what it is to not know how the next paycheck is coming,’ Earle-Sears said in the video. ‘I know it from being an employee and I also know it from being a small business owner, and so I want to say this to you that we see you.’ At the same time, she reaffirmed her support for Trump’s efforts to cut federal spending — even if it results in job losses. ‘Our government, without question, owes us answers to how the money is being spent,’ she said. ‘We work very hard for those dollars in order for the government to tax us, and so the government must be accountable to us and tell us how it is spending our hard earned dollars.’ Earle-Sears added that it’s also important to ensure support is available for those who lose their jobs and want to pursue new opportunities. ‘It is also a given that we want to make sure that you have the money that you need to find a job or if you want to start a new career or even to go into business and how to do that,’ she said.” [Virginia Mercury, 4/4/25]
¶ Washington Post Columnist Marc Fisher Criticized Earle-Sears For Dismissing The Impact Of Trump’s Federal Workforce Firings After She Said People Lost Jobs “All The Time” And That She Did Not Understand Why The Media Was Making A Big Deal About It
Washington Post Columnist Marc Fisher Referenced A Recording Of Earle-Sears Dismissing Trump’s Federal Workforce Firings, Where She Said Losing Jobs “Happens To Everybody All The Time.” According to a Marc Fisher opinion in the Washington Post, “Meanwhile, in Virginia, Gov. Glenn Youngkin, unlike nearly all of his modern predecessors, Republicans and Democrats alike, seems to have little regard for the federal employees who make up more than 10 percent of the state’s workers. Youngkin is so enthusiastic about eliminating federal jobs that he has proposed to add $300 million to the state’s reserve funds to deal with ‘the near-term uncertainty’ that the job cuts are creating in the form of diminished state tax revenue. A University of Virginia analysis found that a 10 percent cut in the state’s federal workforce would zero out Virginia’s projected job growth for this year. The governor would rather spend hundreds of millions of tax dollars than question the firing of thousands of Virginians without ascertaining the quality or necessity of their work. (Youngkin’s lieutenant governor, Winsome Earle-Sears (R), who is running to succeed him, dismissed concerns, saying that losing jobs ‘happens to everybody all the time. ... The media is making it out to be this huge, huge thing. And I don’t understand why.’ True, she clearly doesn’t.)” [Marc Fisher Opinion, Washington Post, 4/2/25]
- Marc Fisher Column: After Earle-Sears Said She Did Not Understand Why The Media Was Making A Big Deal Of Trump’s Federal Workforce Firings, Fisher Said Of Earle-Sears “True, She Clearly Doesn’t.” According to a Marc Fisher opinion in the Washington Post, “Meanwhile, in Virginia, Gov. Glenn Youngkin, unlike nearly all of his modern predecessors, Republicans and Democrats alike, seems to have little regard for the federal employees who make up more than 10 percent of the state’s workers. Youngkin is so enthusiastic about eliminating federal jobs that he has proposed to add $300 million to the state’s reserve funds to deal with ‘the near-term uncertainty’ that the job cuts are creating in the form of diminished state tax revenue. A University of Virginia analysis found that a 10 percent cut in the state’s federal workforce would zero out Virginia’s projected job growth for this year. The governor would rather spend hundreds of millions of tax dollars than question the firing of thousands of Virginians without ascertaining the quality or necessity of their work. (Youngkin’s lieutenant governor, Winsome Earle-Sears (R), who is running to succeed him, dismissed concerns, saying that losing jobs ‘happens to everybody all the time. ... The media is making it out to be this huge, huge thing. And I don’t understand why.’ True, she clearly doesn’t.)” [Marc Fisher Opinion, Washington Post, 4/2/25]
¶ In An Audio Recording, Earle-Sears Downplayed The Impact Of The Trump Administration Firing Virginia-Based Federal Workers En Masse
HEADLINE: “Winsome Earle-Sears Appears To Downplay Federal Worker Firings In Leaked Audio” [Virginia Dogwood, 3/31/25]
March 13: Earle-Sears Downplayed The Impact Of Trump’s Cuts To The Federal Workforce In Virginia, Saying “The Media Is Making It Out To Be This Huge, Huge Thing, And I Don’t Understand Why.” According to Virginia Dogwood, “‘The media is making it out to be this huge, huge thing, and I don’t understand why,’ a speaker identified as Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears says of federal workers losing their jobs in leaked audio published by the left-leaning digital outlet MeidasTouch. The front runner to become Virginia’s Republican nominee for governor apparently downplayed the pain of tens of thousands of federal workers who have lost their jobs as a result of the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency. In a 35-second audio clip dated March 13 published by the left-leaning digital outlet MeidasTouch, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears is identified as saying she does not want people to lose their jobs but suggests losing a job is ‘not unusual.’” [Virginia Dogwood, 3/31/25]
- Earle-Sears Did Not Comment On The Clip Of Her Downplaying The Impact Of Trump’s Job Cuts. According to Virginia Dogwood, “‘The media is making it out to be this huge, huge thing, and I don’t understand why,’ the speaker identified as Earle-Sears says. Earle-Sears has yet to publicly comment on the clip which surfaced on Friday and The Dogwood has not independently verified the authenticity of the recording. Earle-Sears’ campaign did not immediately respond to a Dogwood request for comment. Virginia, of course, is home to thousands of federal workers who either live or work here – or both. The Trump administration has eliminated jobs at Shenandoah National Park, in local offices of the Social Security Administration, and has gutted the US Department of Education. State leaders have struggled to nail down the exact scope of the pain being wrought in Virginia, but state unemployment claims appear to be on the rise.” [Virginia Dogwood, 3/31/25]
¶ Virginia Dogwood: Virginia Republicans Supported Trump’s Cuts All Along, But The Bluntness Of Earle-Sears’ Comments Toward Fired Workers Was Surprising
Virginia Dogwood: Virginia Republicans Supported Trump’s Cuts All Along, But The Bluntness Of Earle-Sears’ Comments Toward Fired Workers Was Surprising. According to Virginia Dogwood, “State Republicans, led by lame-duck Gov. Glenn Youngkin, support what the Trump administration is doing and have been downplaying the pain of the cuts all along. The recording published by MeidasTouch is notable for just how direct the comments are. Democrats, including Earle-Sears’ leading rival for Virginia’s governor’s mansion, former congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, have seized on the recording to attack her. ‘The impact on Virginia’s economy – the attacks on the federal workforce are real,’ Spanberger said in a video posted to X. ‘And anyone who wants to be governor of Virginia, their first responsibility is to stand up for Virginians.’ Virginia congressman Don Beyer said on X that Earle-Sears should apologize for her remarks. ‘Thousands of Virginians are losing their livelihoods and the ability to put food on the table through no fault of their own,’ Beyer said. ‘You can’t lead without basic human compassion for the people you’re supposed to serve.” [Virginia Dogwood, 3/31/25]
¶ Chris Graham Opinion: Graham Reported On Audio Of Earle-Sears Saying It Was Not “Unusual” For People To Lose Their Jobs
HEADLINE: “Virginia Jobless Rate Ticks Up, And Youngkin, Earle-Sears, Have No Answers” [Chris Graham Opinion, Augusta Free Press, 3/29/25]
Chris Graham Opinion: Graham Reported On Audio Of Earle-Sears Saying It Was Not “Unusual” For People To Lose Their Jobs And Saying She Did Not Understand Why The Media Was Making It “This Huge, Huge Thing.” According to a Chris Graham opinion in the Augusta Free Press, “Don’t fear, though, because Youngkin and his handpicked successor, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, are on it – well, maybe not so much Earle-Sears, who suddenly finds herself in a tight race for the Republican nomination for governor in the 2025 cycle. Audio highlighted by the liberal news website Meidas Touch has Earle-Sears trying to make the pending job-loss-pocalypse as being a function of ‘the media,’ because of course it’s always the media making up bad news. ‘Now I’m hearing about DOGE and all that. Yes, we don’t want folks to lose their jobs. We have over 250,000 jobs that we’ve created since we’ve been in office. So, if you’ve lost your job, and how many people have lost a job, oh, you mean it’s not unusual? It happens to everybody all the time? OK,’ Earle-Sears said. ‘The media is making this out to be this huge, huge thing. I don’t understand why,’ Earle-Sears said.” [Chris Graham Opinion, Augusta Free Press, 3/29/25]
¶ Cardinal News Columnist Dwayne Yancey Claimed Earle-Sears’ DOGE Comments Appeared Unconcerned About Constituents Losing Their Jobs And Could Be Politically Damaging To Her
HEADLINE: “Earle-Sears Says ‘It’s Not Unusual’ To Lose A Job So Federal Job Cuts Aren’t A ‘Huge, Huge Thing’” [Dwayne Yancey opinion, Cardinal News, 3/31/25]
Dwayne Yancey Opinion: Earle-Sears Was Recorded Suggesting DOGE Cuts Were Being Overblown, Saying It Was Not A “Huge, Huge, Thing” And “It’s Not Unusual” To Lose A Job. According to a Dwayne Yancey opinion in the Cardinal News, “Late Friday, an audio recording of Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, the likely Republican candidate for governor, rocketed around the blue corners of the internet. Released by MeidasTouch, a liberal advocacy site, the audio records Earle-Sears discussing the loss of federal jobs due to President Donald Trump’s downsizing of the federal government: ‘Now I’m hearing about DOGE and all that. Yes, we don’t want people to lose their jobs. We have over 250,000 jobs that we’ve created since we began in office. So if you’ve lost your job, and how many of you have ever lost a job? Oh you mean it’s not unusual? It happens to everybody all the time? Okay, and the media is making this out to be this huge, huge thing. And I don’t understand why.’ You can listen here. Earle-Sears’ office did not respond to a request for comment; neither did MeidasTouch about how and where it obtained this audio.” [Dwayne Yancey Opinion, Cardinal News, 3/31/25]
Dwayne Yancey Opinion: Earle-Sears’ Comments On DOGE Could Be Politically Damaging Because She Seemed “Unconcerned About Constituents Who Are Losing Their Jobs.” According to a Dwayne Yancey opinion in the Cardinal News, “I understand Earle-Sears is in something of a political bind. She doesn’t want to run afoul of Trump, or Republican activists who are cheering on his job cuts. However, it’s never a good look to seem unconcerned about constituents who are losing their jobs. Surely Republican wordsmiths can come up with some clever language that seems more sympathetic than what she’s recorded saying here. Politically, this is potentially damaging because these words will make it harder for her to tamp down the outrage that Democrats will want to stoke in Northern Virginia. To be fair, this is not quite on the level of Hillary Clinton’s infamous quote about how ‘we’re going to put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business.’ That quote was often cited out of context. In context, she expressed more sympathy toward coal miners, but we also see how negatively coal country voters responded.” [Dwayne Yancey Opinion, Cardinal News, 3/31/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Said VirginiaNs Would Be “All Right” Despite Trump’s Mass Firings Of Federal Workers
¶ At A Campaign Event In Bowling Green, Earle-Sears Said She Supported Trump’s Cuts To Federal Workforce And Said She Thought Virginians Would Be “All Right”
HEADLINE: “Earle-Sears: Virginians Will Be ‘All Right’ Despite Federal Workforce Purge” [Fredericksburg Free Press, 2/17/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Said She Supported Trump And DOGE As They Cut Federal Jobs, Saying “I Am Glad President Trump Is Getting To The Bottom Of This”
February 2025: At A Campaign Event In Bowling Green, Earle-Sears Said Of Trump’s Cuts To The Federal Workforce: “I Am Glad President Trump Is Getting To The Bottom Of This.” According to the Fredericksburg Free Press, “As she spoke in support of her campaign for governor Sunday evening at an event in Caroline County, Lt. Gov Winsome Earle-Sears touched on many of the concerns Republicans have espoused in recent years. Earle-Sears quipped about the unfairness of transgender women playing female sports and told the approximately 200 supporters who packed Roma’s Italian Restaurant and Pizza in Bowling Green that her most likely challenger in November, Democrat and former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, wants ‘to get in your wallet’ by raising taxes. She also offered her thoughts on the purge of federal workers currently taking place under the leadership of President Donald Trump. ‘I am glad that President Trump is getting to the bottom of all of this,’ Earle-Sears said of the president’s efforts to uncover waste, fraud and abuse in the federal government. In a brief interview with the Free Press after her speech, Earle-Sears made it clear that she supports the efforts of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the advisory agency headed by billionaire Elon Musk under the president’s direction.” [Fredericksburg Free Press, 2/17/25]
Fredericksburg Free Press: Earle-Sears “Made It Clear That She Supports The Efforts Of The Department Of Government Efficiency (DOGE).” According to the Fredericksburg Free Press, “She also offered her thoughts on the purge of federal workers currently taking place under the leadership of President Donald Trump. ‘I am glad that President Trump is getting to the bottom of all of this,’ Earle-Sears said of the president’s efforts to uncover waste, fraud and abuse in the federal government. In a brief interview with the Free Press after her speech, Earle-Sears made it clear that she supports the efforts of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the advisory agency headed by billionaire Elon Musk under the president’s direction.” [Fredericksburg Free Press, 2/17/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Acknowledged She Wanted People To Be Employed, But That She Supported Trump-DOGE Workforce Cuts And Characterized Them As “Research” On Federal Spending
Earle-Sears: “We Do Want People To Be Employed, That’s A Given… What We Want To Know Is How We Are Spending The Taxpayers’ Money.” According to the Fredericksburg Free Press, “While many Virginia residents are concerned about the impact of the layoffs of federal employees who contribute to the state’s economy — particularly in Northern Virginia — Earle-Sears said it is important for the federal government and DOGE to research how every tax dollar is spent. ‘We know that we do want people to be employed,’ Earle-Sears said. ‘That’s a given. What we want to know is how are we spending the taxpayers’ money, who is spending the money, are there programs that are duplicative that are spending that money and is there a better way to spend the money? So, I think based on that, as a business, that’s what we do.’” [Fredericksburg Free Press, 2/17/25]
Earle-Sears Said She Was Supportive Of DOGE “Researching” Cuts To The Federal Workforce Despite Concerns About The Impact Of Layoffs On Virginia’s Economy. According to the Fredericksburg Free Press, “While many Virginia residents are concerned about the impact of the layoffs of federal employees who contribute to the state’s economy — particularly in Northern Virginia — Earle-Sears said it is important for the federal government and DOGE to research how every tax dollar is spent. ‘We know that we do want people to be employed,’ Earle-Sears said. ‘That’s a given. What we want to know is how are we spending the taxpayers’ money, who is spending the money, are there programs that are duplicative that are spending that money and is there a better way to spend the money? So, I think based on that, as a business, that’s what we do.’” [Fredericksburg Free Press, 2/17/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Said Virginia-Based Federal Workers Who Were Fired Should Apply For Private Sector Jobs
Earle-Sears Said Federal Workers Who Were Fired Should Apply For Private Sector Jobs In Virginia. According to the Fredericksburg Press, “Earle-Sears touted the Virginia economy under her boss, current Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Fired federal workers, she said, should apply for private sector jobs in the Commonwealth. She noted that Marble Systems, a manufacturer and distributor of stone products, invested $9.7 million to expand operations and created 59 jobs in Caroline. She also mentioned World Class Distribution, which is now the county’s largest employer with more than 1,000 workers. Earle-Sears cast Virginia as an ‘angel investor’ — a term used to describe an entity that will invest in early-stage startups or small businesses, providing funding at a point when other resources might not be available.” [Fredericksburg Free Press, 2/17/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Said “I Think Virginia Is Going To Be Alright” And Added There Were Potential New Virginia Jobs Pending She Could Not Talk About Yet
Earle-Sears Said “I Think Virginia Is Going To Be All Right” And Added There Were Potential New Virginia Jobs Pending She Could Not Talk About Yet. According to the Fredericksburg Press, “Earle-Sears cast Virginia as an ‘angel investor’ — a term used to describe an entity that will invest in early-stage startups or small businesses, providing funding at a point when other resources might not be available. ‘If you come to us with an idea, we will invest in it, we will train your workers for you … we will scout for you,’ Earle-Sears said. ‘In Virginia, we’ve got 250,000 jobs that are here for the taking,’ she added. ‘We have created 10,000 new startups because of investments that our administration has made, and they’re high paying. We are bringing in even more businesses. ‘There are opportunities that we haven’t spoken about yet that are still on the table and they’re just waiting for a signature. You heard me say the 1,000 jobs that we created, the new 59 jobs that we created. So, things are happening. So, I think Virginia is going to be all right.’” [Fredericksburg Free Press, 2/17/25]
Earle-Sears Described Virginia As An “Angel Investor,” And Said The Commonwealth Would Provide Investments For New Businesses, Trainings For Workers, And Other Resources To Grow. According to the Fredericksburg Press, “Earle-Sears cast Virginia as an ‘angel investor’ — a term used to describe an entity that will invest in early-stage startups or small businesses, providing funding at a point when other resources might not be available. ‘If you come to us with an idea, we will invest in it, we will train your workers for you … we will scout for you,’ Earle-Sears said. ‘In Virginia, we’ve got 250,000 jobs that are here for the taking,’ she added. ‘We have created 10,000 new startups because of investments that our administration has made, and they’re high paying. We are bringing in even more businesses.’” [Fredericksburg Free Press, 2/17/25]
¶ After A Couple Confronted Earle-Sears About A Specific Environmental Project Threatened Under Federal Cuts, Earle-Sears Said She Would “Hand It Off To The Governor And He Can Deal With It”
A Couple Confronted Earle-Sears About A Surface Water Withdrawal Permit Pending With The Department Of Environmental Quality, Amid Concerns About Federal Cuts. According to the Fredericksburg Free Press, “Jeff and Susan Sili provided background of the county to Earle-Sears and apprised her of some of the concerns in Caroline, particularly a surface water withdrawal permit that is pending with the Department of Environmental Quality, among other issues. ‘I’m going to take all of that, and really consider it, and make sure I call some people, and then I’m going to hand it off to the governor and he can deal with it, Earle-Sears said, ‘because that’s what we do.’” [Fredericksburg Free Press, 2/17/25]
- Earle-Sears Responded: “I’m Going To Take All Of That, And Really Consider It, And Make Sure I Call Some People, And Then I’m Going To Hand It Off To The Governor And He Can Deal With It.” According to the Fredericksburg Free Press, “Jeff and Susan Sili provided background of the county to Earle-Sears and apprised her of some of the concerns in Caroline, particularly a surface water withdrawal permit that is pending with the Department of Environmental Quality, among other issues. ‘I’m going to take all of that, and really consider it, and make sure I call some people, and then I’m going to hand it off to the governor and he can deal with it, Earle-Sears said, ‘because that’s what we do.’” [Fredericksburg Free Press, 2/17/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Dodged Reporters’ Questions About Trump Firing Virginia Based Federal Workers En Masse
¶ Earle-Sears Refused To Comment On Several Articles About Trump’s Firings Of Federal Workers And Its Impact On Virginia
¶ The Boston Globe Reported On Earle-Sears’ Support For Trump’s DOGE Cuts To Federal Workforce, And Earle-Sears’ Campaign Refused To Comment
Boston Globe Reported On Earle-Sears’ Support For Trump’s DOGE Cuts To Federal Workforce, Noting She Tweeted A Video With Resources For Fired Workers With At Least Three Broken Links That Led To Error Screens. According to the Boston Globe, “The GOP front-runner, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, has attempted to balance empathy for worried workers with validating Trump and Musk’s mission, echoing outgoing Governor Glenn Youngkin. In a video posted to X on Feb. 22, Earle-Sears told impacted Virginians that she understands ‘what it is to not know how the next paycheck is coming’ but said, ‘the government must be accountable to us and tell us how it is spending our hard-earned dollars.’ Earle-Sears also included five links to online employment resources ‘so that you can get back into the workforce.’ Three of those links, however, directed to pages that showed error messages as of Wednesday. Her campaign did not respond to requests for comment or an interview.” [Boston Globe, 3/4/25]
- Boston Globe: “Earle-Sears Has Attempted To Balance Empathy For Worried Workers With Validating Trump And Musk’s Mission, Echoing Outgoing Governor Glenn Youngkin.” According to the Boston Globe, “The GOP front-runner, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, has attempted to balance empathy for worried workers with validating Trump and Musk’s mission, echoing outgoing Governor Glenn Youngkin. In a video posted to X on Feb. 22, Earle-Sears told impacted Virginians that she understands ‘what it is to not know how the next paycheck is coming’ but said, ‘the government must be accountable to us and tell us how it is spending our hard-earned dollars.’ Earle-Sears also included five links to online employment resources ‘so that you can get back into the workforce.’ Three of those links, however, directed to pages that showed error messages as of Wednesday. Her campaign did not respond to requests for comment or an interview.” [Boston Globe, 3/4/25]
¶ Earle-Sears’ Campaign Did Not Respond To The Boston Globe’s Request For Comment Or An Interview On A Story About DOGE’s Impact On The Virginia Economy
Earle-Sears’ Campaign Did Not Respond To The Boston Globe’s Request For Comment Or An Interview On A Story About DOGE’s Impact On The Virginia Economy. According to the Boston Globe, “The GOP front-runner, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, has attempted to balance empathy for worried workers with validating Trump and Musk’s mission, echoing outgoing Governor Glenn Youngkin. In a video posted to X on Feb. 22, Earle-Sears told impacted Virginians that she understands ‘what it is to not know how the next paycheck is coming’ but said, ‘the government must be accountable to us and tell us how it is spending our hard-earned dollars.’ Earle-Sears also included five links to online employment resources ‘so that you can get back into the workforce.’ Three of those links, however, directed to pages that showed error messages as of Wednesday. Her campaign did not respond to requests for comment or an interview.” [Boston Globe, 3/4/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Did Not Respond To A Request For Comment For A NOTUS Article About Virginia Officials’ Fear That Trump’s Cuts To Federal Workers Would Cause Virginia To Lose Residents And Further Harm The State Economy
HEADLINE: “Virginia Officials Are Bracing For An Exodus As Federal Employees Lose Their Jobs” [NOTUS, 3/10/25]
Earle-Sears Did Not Respond To A Request For Comment For An Article About The Impact Of Trump’s Firing Of Virginia-Based Federal Workers. According to NOTUS, “Spanberger is the only Democrat running for governor and has heavily incorporated the cuts in her campaign. Lieutenant Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, did not respond to a request for comment. But in a video posted to X she said she understands ‘what it is to not know how the next paycheck is coming’ and added that ‘the government must be accountable to us and tell us how it is spending our hard-earned dollars.’” [NOTUS, 3/10/25]
- NOTUS: Virginia Officials Expected To Lose Residents In Response To Trump’s Cuts To Federal Workforce And Were Expecting A Broader Economic Impact From The Loss Of Jobs And Residents. According to NOTUS, “Virginia officials are preparing for the Trump administration’s cuts to the federal government to radically reshape their state — including by losing residents. The state is used to having the federal government as a reliable major employer — it is home to one of the highest concentrations of federal employees due to its proximity to Washington. Already it is seeing changes to its politics around the job losses. And members of both parties are bracing for the unemployment to reshuffle a lot more. ‘I’m worried about these workers leaving, and the ripple effect that’s going to have on the rest of our workforce and the rest of our economy,’ Rep. Jennifer McClellan told NOTUS. In response to the rapid changes to the federal workforce, Virginia’s state House became the first in the country to form a bipartisan emergency committee to address the economic impact on their state.” [NOTUS, 3/10/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Did Not Respond To A Request For Comment For An ABC News Story About The Impact Of Trump’s Federal Workforce Cuts On Virginia’s Economy
Earle-Sears Did Not Respond To A Request For Comment For An ABC News Story About The Impact Of Trump’s Federal Workforce Cuts On Virginia’s Economy. According to ABC News, “With the Virginia gubernatorial election a little more than eight months away, Democrats in the state have said they believe the federal job cuts under President Donald Trump's administration will have a ripple effect that could sway voters to flip the governor seat from a Republican to a Democrat. The Virginia gubernatorial election, which is held in an off-year cycle, is often seen as an indicator of where the political climate stands in the country. The election comes after federal job cuts carried out by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency with a goal of slimming down a bloated federal government and reducing its jobs -- many of which are stationed in Washington, D.C.'s suburbs of Virginia. […] Spanberger said that the impact these job cuts have on the commonwealth will be ‘dire.’ ABC News reached out to Virginia's Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who is running against Spanberger for governor, about the federal job cuts in Virginia and its effect on the race, but did not hear back by the time of publication.” [ABC News, 2/28/25]
¶ Earle-Sears And Her Campaign Refused To Comment On An NBC News Report About The Impact Of Trump’s Federal Workforce Cuts, Which Earle-Sears Supported, On Virginia’s Economy
HEADLINE: “Federal Layoffs Shake Up Virginia Ahead Of 2025 Governor's Race” [NBC News, 2/27/25]
Earle-Sears’ Campaign Declined To Comment On An NBC News Report About The Impact Of Trump’s Federal Workforce Cuts On Virginia’s Economy. According to NBC News, “Earle-Sears has praised the White House’s DOGE effort while also pointing to the Youngkin administration’s investments in the private sector of the Virginia economy as a reason that fired workers shouldn’t fret. Her campaign declined to comment for this story. In comments this month to the Fredericksburg Free Press, Earle-Sears said she was ‘glad’ that Trump was ‘getting to the bottom’ of alleged waste and fraud in the federal government. She added that ‘we know that we do want people to be employed,’ but it's also important to know ‘how are we spending the taxpayers’ money.’” [NBC News, 2/27/25]
- NBC News Spoke To Virginia Voters Without Strong Partisan Identity, And Many Expressed “Deep Concern” About The Impact Of Trump’s Cuts To Federal Workforce On Virginia’s Economy. According to NBC News, “Virginia could be one of the states most affected by President Donald Trump's moves to shrink the federal workforce — and this year’s race for governor will test whether the slashing approach is a political loser, winner or nonissue in a state home to more than 340,000 federal workers, according to census data. Already, there are signs of how the disruption could shape the state's political climate: NBC News spoke with more than a dozen voters around the state who participated in past NBC News polls and said they were not strongly aligned with either party. All were aware of the ongoing federal layoffs, with some expressing deep concern about the effect on Virginia workers and those receiving federal benefits, though most were not yet tuned into the governor’s race.” [NBC News, 2/27/25]
¶ NBC News Reported On Earlier Comments Where Earle-Sears Praised Trump’s “DOGE” Efforts While Also Saying She Wanted People To Be Employed And Touting Youngkin’s Investment In The Private Sector
NBC News: “Earle-Sears Praised The White House’s DOGE Efforts While Also Pointing To Youngkin’s Investments In The Private Sector As A Reason That Fired Workers Shouldn’t Fret.” According to NBC News, “Earle-Sears has praised the White House’s DOGE effort while also pointing to the Youngkin administration’s investments in the private sector of the Virginia economy as a reason that fired workers shouldn’t fret. Her campaign declined to comment for this story. In comments this month to the Fredericksburg Free Press, Earle-Sears said she was ‘glad’ that Trump was ‘getting to the bottom’ of alleged waste and fraud in the federal government. She added that ‘we know that we do want people to be employed,’ but it's also important to know ‘how are we spending the taxpayers’ money.’” [NBC News, 2/27/25]
NBC News Reported On Earlier Comments Where Earle-Sears Said “Virginia Is Going To Be Alright” In The Face Of Trump’s Workforce Cuts. According to NBC News, “In comments this month to the Fredericksburg Free Press, Earle-Sears said she was ‘glad’ that Trump was ‘getting to the bottom’ of alleged waste and fraud in the federal government. She added that ‘we know that we do want people to be employed,’ but it's also important to know ‘how are we spending the taxpayers’ money. In that interview, she said ‘Virginia is going to be alright’ and pointed to recent investments the governor's administration made in the local economy.” [NBC News, 2/27/25]
NBC News: Earle-Sears Said She Was “Glad” That Trump Was “Getting To The Bottom” Of Alleged Waste And Fraud In The Federal Government, But Added “We Know That We Do Want People To Be Employed.” According to NBC News, “Earle-Sears has praised the White House’s DOGE effort while also pointing to the Youngkin administration’s investments in the private sector of the Virginia economy as a reason that fired workers shouldn’t fret. Her campaign declined to comment for this story. In comments this month to the Fredericksburg Free Press, Earle-Sears said she was ‘glad’ that Trump was ‘getting to the bottom’ of alleged waste and fraud in the federal government. She added that ‘we know that we do want people to be employed,’ but it's also important to know ‘how are we spending the taxpayers’ money.’” [NBC News, 2/27/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Did Not Respond To Request For Comment On Trump’s Executive Order Reclassifying Federal Employees As Political Appointees
Earle-Sears Did Not Respond To Request For Comment On Trump’s Executive Order Reclassifying Federal Employees As Political Appointees, A Move Expected To Make It Easier For Trump To Replace Federal Workers With Loyalists. According to Virginia Political Newsletter, “Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger responded to one of President Donald Trump’s executive that removes protections for federal workers. The order reclassifies federal employees as political appointees, making it easier for Trump to fire individuals that he believes are not loyal to him. […] Spanberger is currently the only Democrat seeking the nomination to run for governor this year. Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears, the only Republican currently running for governor, did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday.” [Virginia Political Newsletter, 1/21/25]
- Earle-Sears’ Prospective Opponent Abigail Spanberger Condemned Trump’s Executive Order, Noted There Were More Than 140,000 Impacted Federal Workers In Virginia Alone, And Called The Policy Reckless And Misguided. According to Virginia Political Newsletter, “‘Virginia is home to thousands of federal employees who work tirelessly each day to keep America’s communities strong, safe, and connected,’ Spanberger said Tuesday. ‘They are nonpartisan professionals who have devoted their careers to serving our nation. When the President threatens to fire these federal workers and redesignate their jobs as appointee positions, he’s not only threatening the jobs and livelihoods of our Virginia neighbors and their families — he’s prioritizing political allegiance over nonpartisan expertise and experience in some of our country’s most consequential roles. The United States Office of Personnel Management says there are more than 140,000 federal employees in Virginia. California is the only state with more. During the campaign, Trump advertised his plan to ‘return power back to the American people by cleaning out the Deep State, firing rogue bureaucrats and career politicians, and targeting government corruption.’ He has now put that plan into action. ‘Over the past few years, I’ve been unequivocal about the dangers of bringing back this reckless, misguided policy,’ Spanberger continued. ‘Not only does it disrupt Virginia’s economic stability, but it disrespects the contributions of America’s nonpartisan public servants. This executive order paves the way for replacing these principled public servants with partisan loyalists.’” [Virginia Political Newsletter, 1/21/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Made Ill-Fated Attempts To Reassure Fired Federal Workers And Pushed Job Replacements That Often Did Not Match Fired Workers’ Expertise
¶ Earle-Sears Posted Links To Unemployment And Job Replacement Resources
¶ Earle-Sears Posted Links To Unemployment And Job Placement Resources
April 9, 2025: Earle-Sears Said It Was “Working Wednesday” And Posted Links To Unemployment And Job Placement Resources. According to the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia on Facebook, “It’s Working Wednesday! From job fairs, to assistance with applying for unemployment benefits, to starting your own business, we have resources to help YOU! To find jobs near you and explore opportunities across Virginia ➡️ https://virginiahasjobs.com/ To learn more about unemployment assistance from the Virginia Employment Commission ⬇️ https://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployment If you are looking to start your own business in Virginia, the Virginia State Corporation Commission has tools for you! Learn more below ⬇️ https://www.scc.virginia.gov/busi.../new-business-resources/”
[Facebook, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, 4/9/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Posted A List Of Job Resources For Unemployed People To Find Jobs
Earle-Sears Posted A List Of Job Resources For Unemployed People To Find Jobs. According to the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia on Facebook, “It’s Working Wednesday! Your Next Job Opportunity Starts Here! If you're searching for a new career or need employment support, these resources can help you take the next step today: 🔹To Find Jobs Near You and explore opportunities across Virginia ➡️ https://virginiahasjobs.com 🔹To learn more about Unemployment Assistance from the Virginia Employment Commission ⬇️ https://www.vec.virginia.gov/resources-virginias-former... Don't wait—your next opportunity is just a click away!”
[Facebook, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, 3/12/25]
¶ Addressing Federal Workers Set To Be Fired, Earle-Sears Said “I Know What You Are Going Through And I See You” And Shared Links To Unemployment Benefits, Job Searches, And Other Career Opportunities
Addressing Federal Workers Set To Be Fired, Earle-Sears Said “I Know What You Are Going Through And I See You” And Shared Links To Unemployment Benefits, Job Searches, And Other Career Opportunities. According to the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia on Facebook, “We know there is concern about the Federal government workforce transition, as well as people looking for work and new career opportunities. Governor of Virginia Youngkin and I want all Virginians to know we are ready to support you. From being an employee myself to owning a small business, I know what you are going through and I see you. Government must be transparent about how YOUR hard-earned money is being spent. We also know people must have resources to provide for their families, start a business, earn an education, and so much more. We have various resources to assist you. For information about applying for unemployment benefits, preparing for a new job search, Virginia State government career opportunities, and more, visit the link.”
[Facebook, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, 2/22/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Shared A Facebook Post From Glenn Youngkin With A Link To “Virginia Has Jobs,” The Youngkin-Sears Administration’s Landing Page Aimed At Laid Off Federal Workers
Earle-Sears Shared A Facebook Post From Glenn Youngkin With A Link To “Virginia Has Jobs,” The Youngkin-Sears Administration’s Landing Page Aimed At Laid Off Federal Workers. According to Lieutenant Governor of Virginia on Facebook, “Virginia is open for business and ready to help YOU! Use the link below for resources on finding employment opportunities in your local area ⬇️ https://virginiahasjobs.com”
[Facebook, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, 2/24/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Directed Fired Federal Workers Toward Replacement Jobs That Often Did Not Match Their Skills, Salaries, And Expertise
¶ Earle-Sears “Expressed Confidence” That Fired Federal Workers Could Find Jobs In Virginia’s Private Sector, But Many Jobs She Shared Were “Mismatches” For Fired Federal Workers’ Specialized Skills
Washington Post: Earle-Sears “Noted That Federal Layoffs… Have Yet To Rock The State’s Economy.” According to the Washington Post, “Earle-Sears, a former small-business woman, has offered herself as an extension of the pro-business ‘Youngkin-Sears’ administration, touting the state’s job growth and low unemployment. She and Youngkin have noted that federal layoffs, some of them rescinded for now under court orders, have yet to rock the state’s economy. Both have expressed confidence that displaced workers will be able to find jobs in Virginia’s robust private sector. They often note that the state has 250,000 available jobs, though many of those are mismatches with the skills of federal workers.” [Washington Post, 4/8/25]
Washington Post: Earle-Sears “Expressed Confidence” That Fired Federal Workers Could Find Jobs In Virginia’s Private Sector. According to the Washington Post, “Earle-Sears, a former small-business woman, has offered herself as an extension of the pro-business ‘Youngkin-Sears’ administration, touting the state’s job growth and low unemployment. She and Youngkin have noted that federal layoffs, some of them rescinded for now under court orders, have yet to rock the state’s economy. Both have expressed confidence that displaced workers will be able to find jobs in Virginia’s robust private sector. They often note that the state has 250,000 available jobs, though many of those are mismatches with the skills of federal workers.” [Washington Post, 4/8/25]
- Washington Post: Many Of The Jobs Earle-Sears Touted As Available To Fired Federal Workers Were “Mismatches With The Skills” The Federal Workers Had. According to the Washington Post, “Earle-Sears, a former small-business woman, has offered herself as an extension of the pro-business ‘Youngkin-Sears’ administration, touting the state’s job growth and low unemployment. She and Youngkin have noted that federal layoffs, some of them rescinded for now under court orders, have yet to rock the state’s economy. Both have expressed confidence that displaced workers will be able to find jobs in Virginia’s robust private sector. They often note that the state has 250,000 available jobs, though many of those are mismatches with the skills of federal workers.” [Washington Post, 4/8/25]
¶ Richmond Times-Dispatch: Earle-Sears “Resolutely Backed Trump And Musk’s Efforts” On DOGE, While “Expressing Personal Empathy For Affected Workers And Offering To Help Them Find New Job Opportunities In The Private Sector”
Richmond Times-Dispatch: Earle-Sears “Resolutely Backed Trump And Musk’s Efforts” On DOGE, While “Expressing Personal Empathy For Affected Workers And Offering To Help Them Find New Job Opportunities In The Private Sector.” According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, “Earle-Sears and Youngkin have resolutely backed Trump and Musk’s efforts, while expressing personal empathy for affected workers and offering to help them find new job opportunities in the private sector. ‘I have been in your shoes and I totally understand what it is to not know how the next paycheck is coming,’ Earle-Sears said in a Feb. 22 video message on X, formerly Twitter, to Virginians who have lost their jobs. ‘I know it from being an employee and I also know it from being a small business owner.’ Trump looms over both campaigns, which could pose a bigger challenge for Republicans in Virginia.” [Richmond Times-Dispatch, 3/12/25]
- Earle-Sears To Fired Federal Workers: “I Have Been In Your Shoes And I Totally Understand What It Is To Not Know How The Next Paycheck Is Coming.” According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, “Earle-Sears and Youngkin have resolutely backed Trump and Musk’s efforts, while expressing personal empathy for affected workers and offering to help them find new job opportunities in the private sector. ‘I have been in your shoes and I totally understand what it is to not know how the next paycheck is coming,’ Earle-Sears said in a Feb. 22 video message on X, formerly Twitter, to Virginians who have lost their jobs. ‘I know it from being an employee and I also know it from being a small business owner.’ Trump looms over both campaigns, which could pose a bigger challenge for Republicans in Virginia.” [Richmond Times-Dispatch, 3/12/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Said Virginia Based Fired Federal Workers “Should Not Fret” Because They Could Take Employment And Make Use Of Job Fairs
¶ Earle-Sears Said Virginia Based Federal Workers Trump And DOGE Fired Should Collect Unemployment Benefits, Make Use Of Job Fairs She Sponsored, And Told Them “Do Not Fret”
Audio: Earle-Sears Said Virginia Had Enough Jobs To Provide To Fired Federal Workers, And Claimed “Virginia… Don’t Fret.” According to American Bridge on Twitter, “EARLE-SEARS: ‘If you lose a job, we’ve got jobs for you. If you want a job in Virginia we will help you to do so. And as a matter of fact, we’ve created job fairs to make that happen. We’ve seen record numbers of people who have wanted to be a part of that. We’re prepared. Virginians. Don’t fret. My opponent will try to do anything to destroy me. It’s not going to work. The people know that we have the jobs available. And until you get that job, we have the unemployment benefits that you deserve. Don’t worry.’”
[Twitter, @American_Bridge, 3/27/25]
Earle-Sears Said Virginia’s Economy Was Strong Enough To Absorb Fired Federal Workers, Telling Fired Workers “Do Not Fret,” Virginia “Got Jobs For You.” According to WTOP, “In what could be a preview of public debates on the campaign trail in Virginia’s race for the governorship this year, the leading candidates from both parties spoke with WTOP about the sweeping federal job cuts being carried out by President Donald Trump’s administration — and how they might affect Virginia. ‘Everywhere I go, I hear about the impacts of these cuts to the federal workforce,’ said former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, the likely Democratic nominee in the governor’s race. Spanberger claimed the cuts were being felt broadly across the economy. […] On the other side, Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears said Virginia’s economy remains strong and is capable of absorbing the layoffs. ‘Whether you lose it because you work for the federal government, or whether you lost it because you worked for a private employer, or even whether you’re trying to come back into the job market because you took some time away, we’ve got jobs for you,’ Earle-Sears said. ‘Do not fret,’ she added.” [WTOP, 3/26/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Encouraged Fired Federal Workers To Attend State-Sponsored Job Fairs, Apply For Jobs In Other Parts Of Virginia’s Economy, And To Collect Unemployment Benefits In The Mean Time
Earle-Sears On Fired Federal Workers: “We’ve Created Job Fairs.” According to WTOP, “Though other Republicans have said they hoped to force a primary against Earle-Sears, the only two candidates to qualify for the ballot so far are Earle-Sears and Spanberger. Earle-Sears has been endorsed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who is term-limited. She echoed Youngkin’s previous comments that Virginia has 250,000 open jobs and has plenty of resources available to help fired federal employees find new work opportunities. ‘We’ve created job fairs to make that happen,’ Earle-Sears said. ‘I know what it’s like to lose a job,’ she continued. ‘We don’t want anyone to lose a job, that’s not what we’re about.’” [WTOP, 3/26/25]
Earle-Sears “Echoed Youngkin’s Previous Comments” Toward Fired Federal Workers, Encouraging Them To Apply For Open Jobs In Other Parts Of Virginia’s Economy. According to WTOP, “Though other Republicans have said they hoped to force a primary against Earle-Sears, the only two candidates to qualify for the ballot so far are Earle-Sears and Spanberger. Earle-Sears has been endorsed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who is term-limited. She echoed Youngkin’s previous comments that Virginia has 250,000 open jobs and has plenty of resources available to help fired federal employees find new work opportunities. ‘We’ve created job fairs to make that happen,’ Earle-Sears said. ‘I know what it’s like to lose a job,’ she continued. ‘We don’t want anyone to lose a job, that’s not what we’re about.’” [WTOP, 3/26/25]
Earle-Sears To Fired Federal Workers: “We Have The Jobs Available, And Until You Get That Job, We Have Unemployment Benefits That You Deserve. Don’t Worry.” According to WTOP, “The federal cuts stem from the ‘Department of Government Efficiency,’ a Trump administration team tasked with slashing federal spending. Spanberger characterized the cuts as the White House ‘attacking’ the federal workforce. ‘I am always, always willing to have the conversation of, ‘What could we do better?’ ‘What could be more effective?’ But what we see coming out of this White House and what we see with this DOGE effort is an attack on federal service, attack on real people,’ Spanberger said. She accused Earle-Sears of being dismissive of people who’ve been laid off. ‘My opponent is defending it and not standing up to it, and in doing so, isn’t demonstrating any leadership and standing up for Virginians, or for our economy,’ Spanberger said. Earle-Sears fired back. ‘My opponent, of course, will try to do anything to destroy me,’ Earle-Sears said. ‘It’s not going to work. We have the jobs available, and until you get that job, we have unemployment benefits that you deserve. Don’t worry.’ More than 300,000 federal employees live in Virginia, according to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.” [WTOP, 3/26/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Said “I Know What It’s Like To Lose A Job… We Don’t Want Anyone To Lose A Job, That’s Not What We’re About”
Earle-Sears On Fired Federal Workers: “I Know What It’s Like To Lose A Job… We Don’t Want Anyone To Lose A Job, That’s Not What We’re About.” According to WTOP, “Though other Republicans have said they hoped to force a primary against Earle-Sears, the only two candidates to qualify for the ballot so far are Earle-Sears and Spanberger. Earle-Sears has been endorsed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who is term-limited. She echoed Youngkin’s previous comments that Virginia has 250,000 open jobs and has plenty of resources available to help fired federal employees find new work opportunities. ‘We’ve created job fairs to make that happen,’ Earle-Sears said. ‘I know what it’s like to lose a job,’ she continued. ‘We don’t want anyone to lose a job, that’s not what we’re about.’” [WTOP, 3/26/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Said Abigail Spanberger’s Attacks Were “Not Going To Work” After Spanberger Accused Her Of Being “Dismissive” Of Fired Federal Workers And Not Standing Up For Virginia’s Economy
Abigail Spanberger Said Earle-Sears Was Being “Dismissive” Of Real People Who Had Been Laid Off: “[Earle-Sears] Is Defending It, And Not Standing Up To It, And In Doing So, Isn’t Demonstrating Any Leadership And Standing Up For Virginians, Or Our Economy.” According to WTOP, “The federal cuts stem from the ‘Department of Government Efficiency,’ a Trump administration team tasked with slashing federal spending. Spanberger characterized the cuts as the White House ‘attacking’ the federal workforce. ‘I am always, always willing to have the conversation of, ‘What could we do better?’ ‘What could be more effective?’ But what we see coming out of this White House and what we see with this DOGE effort is an attack on federal service, attack on real people,’ Spanberger said. She accused Earle-Sears of being dismissive of people who’ve been laid off. ‘My opponent is defending it and not standing up to it, and in doing so, isn’t demonstrating any leadership and standing up for Virginians, or for our economy,’ Spanberger said. Earle-Sears fired back. ‘My opponent, of course, will try to do anything to destroy me,’ Earle-Sears said. ‘It’s not going to work. We have the jobs available, and until you get that job, we have unemployment benefits that you deserve. Don’t worry.’ More than 300,000 federal employees live in Virginia, according to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.” [WTOP, 3/26/25]
- Earle-Sears Responded To Spanberger’s Attacks Over Fired Federal Workers: “My Opponent, Of Course, Will Do Anything To Destroy Me… It’s Not Going To Work.” According to WTOP, “The federal cuts stem from the ‘Department of Government Efficiency,’ a Trump administration team tasked with slashing federal spending. Spanberger characterized the cuts as the White House ‘attacking’ the federal workforce. ‘I am always, always willing to have the conversation of, ‘What could we do better?’ ‘What could be more effective?’ But what we see coming out of this White House and what we see with this DOGE effort is an attack on federal service, attack on real people,’ Spanberger said. She accused Earle-Sears of being dismissive of people who’ve been laid off. ‘My opponent is defending it and not standing up to it, and in doing so, isn’t demonstrating any leadership and standing up for Virginians, or for our economy,’ Spanberger said. Earle-Sears fired back. ‘My opponent, of course, will try to do anything to destroy me,’ Earle-Sears said. ‘It’s not going to work. We have the jobs available, and until you get that job, we have unemployment benefits that you deserve. Don’t worry.’ More than 300,000 federal employees live in Virginia, according to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.” [WTOP, 3/26/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Shared Five Broken Links To Job Resources That Led To Error Pages
¶ Earle-Sears Shared Five Broken Links To Resources That Led To Error Pages
Cook Political Report: “Websites Tweeted Out By Earle-Sears To Online Employment Resources Turned Out To Be Dead Links.” According to the Cook Political Report, “We wrote in our initial analysis of the race back in December that any backlash to another Trump term may be uniquely felt in Northern Virginia, where many federal employees live and work. What’s transpired in the weeks since Trump took office, slashing federal departments and probationary employees wholesale, has emboldened Democrats. And they also believe that Earle-Sears and Youngkin made a misstep in encouraging laid off workers to apply for state jobs and attend job fairs. Democrats criticized it as callous and even Republicans privately admit it came across poorly. Websites tweeted out by Earle-Sears to online employment resources turned out to be dead links.” [Cook Political Report, 3/6/25]
Earle-Sears Shared A Video Aimed At Fired Federal Workers Containing Links To Five “Additional Resources To Assist,” And All Five Links Led To Broken “404 Page Not Found” Website Errors. According to the Bulwark, “Online attempts yesterday to soothe Virginia’s laid-off federal workers weren’t going much better. Lieutenant Gov. Winsome Sears, who is running to replace the term-limited Youngkin, released a direct-to-camera video acknowledging ‘concern about the federal government workforce transition,’ and sharing five links to ‘additional resources to assist.’ All five links led to broken ‘404 Page Not Found’ website errors.” [The Bulwark, 2/25/25]
The Bulwark: Earle-Sears Was “In A Bind,” With Her Virginia Constituents Losing Their Livelihoods, But Also Could Not Afford A Torrent Of Rage From Trump Supporters If She Criticized Trump’s Actions. According to the Bulwark, “Youngkin and Sears are in a bind. On the one hand, they’ve got a monsoon of irate constituents to manage, justifiably upset that their life’s work, livelihoods and, in some cases, dream jobs have been obliterated by some 22-year-old former SpaceX intern wielding a Grok account and a spreadsheet. But they’re constrained in their response by the central rule of today’s GOP politics: Anyone who suggests that the emperor has no clothes is met with an instant monsoon of rage and bile from the president’s most fervent supporters calling for their instant ejection from the party. So they’ve seemingly decided the best way to proceed is by trying to convince federal workers that getting laid off is the best thing that could have happened to them.” [The Bulwark, 2/25/25]
The Bulwark: Earle-Sears “Seemingly Decided The Best Way To Proceed Is By Trying To Convince Federal Workers That Getting Laid Off Is The Best Thing That Could Have Happened To Them.” According to the Bulwark, “Youngkin and Sears are in a bind. On the one hand, they’ve got a monsoon of irate constituents to manage, justifiably upset that their life’s work, livelihoods and, in some cases, dream jobs have been obliterated by some 22-year-old former SpaceX intern wielding a Grok account and a spreadsheet. But they’re constrained in their response by the central rule of today’s GOP politics: Anyone who suggests that the emperor has no clothes is met with an instant monsoon of rage and bile from the president’s most fervent supporters calling for their instant ejection from the party. So they’ve seemingly decided the best way to proceed is by trying to convince federal workers that getting laid off is the best thing that could have happened to them.” [The Bulwark, 2/25/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Shared A Graphic From The USDA Seeking To Reassure Farmers Amid Cuts To Farm Aid
Earle-Sears Shared A Graphic From The USDA Seeking To Reassure Farmers Amid Cuts To Farm Aid. According to Earle-Sears' Facebook,
[Facebook, Winsome Earle-Sears, 2/21/25]
¶ Earle-Sears Touted Projects And Agencies Expected To Face Firings And Cuts From DOGE
¶ Earle-Sears Participated In A Ribbon Cutting At A New VA Clinic That Faced Cuts From Trump’s Administration
¶ Earle-Sears Participated In A Ribbon Cutting Event At A New Veterans’ Affairs Outpatient Clinic In Fredericksburg Which Democratic Officials Argued Was Short Staffed Due To Trump’s Cuts To Federal Workforce And Hiring Freeze Imposed On The VA
February 28, 2025: Earle-Sears Participated In A Ribbon Cutting Event At A New Veterans’ Affairs Outpatient Clinic In Fredericksburg. According to the Fredericksburg Free Press, “Friday afternoon, officials boasted about the 471,000-square-foot facility being the largest VA outpatient clinic in the nation. ‘It is larger than 10 [hospitals] in the VA’s inventory,’ said Jonathan Benoit, acting Veterans Integrated Service Network 6 director. ‘When people drive by here, they think it’s a hospital.’ Benoit informed those who complained in the past about the lack of parking at the VA in Richmond that there are 2,600 parking spaces available at the Spotsylvania County facility, which is located at 10432 Patriot Highway, and opens on Monday. […] There were many local, state and federal officials in attendance Friday. Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears participated in the ribbon cutting. Dels. Joshua Cole (D-Fredericksburg), Bobby Orrock (R-Spotsylvania) and Phillip Scott (R-Spotsylvania) were present, as were Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors representatives Deborah Frazier, Kevin Marshall and Chris Yakabouski.” [Fredericksburg Free Press, 2/28/25]
- Democratic Officials Said Trump’s Firing Of Federal Employees And Freeze On New Employees At The VA Was Preventing The Administration From Properly Staffing The New Facility. According to the Fredericksburg Free Press, “Friday afternoon, officials boasted about the 471,000-square-foot facility being the largest VA outpatient clinic in the nation. ‘It is larger than 10 [hospitals] in the VA’s inventory,’ said Jonathan Benoit, acting Veterans Integrated Service Network 6 director. ‘When people drive by here, they think it’s a hospital.’ Benoit informed those who complained in the past about the lack of parking at the VA in Richmond that there are 2,600 parking spaces available at the Spotsylvania County facility, which is located at 10432 Patriot Highway, and opens on Monday. But U.S. Sens. Mark Warner (D-Virginia) and Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) and U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-7th District) reminded the several hundred people in attendance that a major hurdle stands in the way of the facility reaching its full potential — the firing of approximately 2,400 VA employees and the hiring freeze at the agency enacted by President Trump’s administration.” [Fredericksburg Free Press, 2/28/25]
- Rep. Eugene Vindman Said A Veteran From Fredericksburg Planned To Have A Lung Screening At The New VA Facility But Had To Reschedule Due To Short Staffing At The Facility. According to the Fredericksburg Free Press, “Vindman noted there are approximately 72,000 veterans in his district, which includes all the Fredericksburg area as well as all or parts of Prince William, Orange, Culpeper, Greene, Madison and Albemarle counties. He said one veteran from Fredericksburg was planning to have a lung screening at the new VA facility on Monday but was forced to reschedule for April and drive to Richmond because of a lack of staff. He called the hiring freeze ‘shortsighted.’” [Fredericksburg Free Press, 2/28/25]
February 28, 2025: Earle-Sears Was Photographed Participating In A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony At The New Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic In Fredericksburg. According to Fredericksburg Free Press,
[Fredericksburg Free Press, 2/28/25]
February 28, 2025: Earle-Sears Attended The Opening Celebration Of The Central Virginia VA Health Center In Fredericksburg. According to the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia on Facebook, “Today, we celebrated the opening of the Central Virginia VA Health Center in Fredericksburg with Senator Mark Warner, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, Craig Crenshaw, Congressman Eugene Vindman, local leaders, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs officials. This 470,000-square-foot facility will provide primary care, mental health services, and rehabilitation to over 35,000 veterans annually. Thank you to the dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff serving our veterans!”
[Facebook, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, 2/28/25]
¶ As Earle-Sears Supported DOGE Efforts, Virginia Workers And Veterans Suffered The Impacts
¶ Earle-Sears Was Criticized For Supporting DOGE Even As Its Cuts Were Expected To Impact Virginia Disproportionately
¶ Christian Science Monitor Reported On Earle-Sears’ Support For Trump’s DOGE Cuts To Federal Workforce, Expected To Affect Virginia’s Economy Disproportionately
HEADLINE: “Could DOGE Backfire On Republicans? Virginia Election Is A Test Case.” [Christian Science Monitor, 2/28/25]
Earle-Sears Said Of DOGE, “I Am Glad That President Trump Is Getting To The Bottom Of All Of This,” And Suggested Virginia’s Private Sector Could Provide Jobs To Fired Federal Workers. According to the Christian Science Monitor, “I am glad that President Trump is getting to the bottom of all of this,’ said Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who is running to be the Republican gubernatorial nominee against former Democratic Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, at a campaign event in Bowling Green last week. Like Mr. Youngkin, she suggested that Virginia’s private sector job opportunities could absorb the blow. But Ms. Earle-Sears’ allegiance to DOGE has been challenged. Earlier this week a former Loudoun County delegate, Dave LaRock, filed papers to challenge Ms. Earle-Sears for the Republican nomination, promising to create a ‘VaDOGE’ – ‘a bold initiative’ aimed at cutting waste and ‘reducing bureaucracy’ at the state level.” [Christian Science Monitor, 2/28/25]
- Christian Science Monitor: As Trump And Musk Enact Federal Spending Cuts And Mass Firings Of Federal Workers, Virginia “Will Be Disproportionately Affected.” According to the Christian Science Monitor, “The Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative to cut up to $2 trillion in federal spending led by billionaire Mr. Musk, has promised federal layoffs to achieve that goal. Thousands of federal employees have already been fired, and more cuts are coming: A memo issued Wednesday by the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management instructed department and agency heads to prepare for ‘large-scale reductions in force’ and to develop reorganization plans by March 13. And Virginia, one of the few states to hold elections this fall, will be disproportionately affected.” [Christian Science Monitor, 2/28/25]
¶ Fairfax County Board Of Supervisors Chair Jeffrey McKay Said The Impact Of Trump’s Federal Workforce Firings On Virginia’s Economy Was “Worse Than COVID” And Urged Earle-Sears To Act
Virginia Dogwood: As Youngkin And Earle-Sears “Downplay The Impacts Of Thousands Of Job Cuts To The Federal Workforce,” Local Leaders Urged Them To Address The Economic Fallout. According to Virginia Dogwood, “‘We got through COVID because we had a lot of federal support,’ said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McKay. ‘We will get no federal support with this. In fact, it is federal actions that are causing these challenges.’ As news broke Tuesday that the US Supreme Court halted an order requiring the Trump administration to rehire fired probationary workers, a Virginia House of Delegates emergency committee met in Alexandria with researchers and local officials from Northern Virginia in search of solutions to the economic crisis unfolding across the region. While Republicans like Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears downplay the impacts of thousands of job cuts to the federal workforce, local leaders like Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McKay are urging state leaders to act fast to address the economic fallout. ‘What we’re facing here is far worse than COVID,’ McKay said in remarks to the committee. ‘We got through COVID because we had a lot of federal support. We will get no federal support with this. In fact, it is federal actions that are causing these challenges.’” [Virginia Dogwood, 4/8/25]
- Fairfax County Board Of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McKay Said The Economic Pain Of Trump’s Federal Workforce Firings Was “Far Worse Than COVID.” According to Virginia Dogwood, “‘We got through COVID because we had a lot of federal support,’ said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McKay. ‘We will get no federal support with this. In fact, it is federal actions that are causing these challenges.’ As news broke Tuesday that the US Supreme Court halted an order requiring the Trump administration to rehire fired probationary workers, a Virginia House of Delegates emergency committee met in Alexandria with researchers and local officials from Northern Virginia in search of solutions to the economic crisis unfolding across the region. While Republicans like Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears downplay the impacts of thousands of job cuts to the federal workforce, local leaders like Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McKay are urging state leaders to act fast to address the economic fallout. ‘What we’re facing here is far worse than COVID,’ McKay said in remarks to the committee. ‘We got through COVID because we had a lot of federal support. We will get no federal support with this. In fact, it is federal actions that are causing these challenges.’” [Virginia Dogwood, 4/8/25]
¶ Fairfax Now: The Fairfax County Board Of Supervisors Condemned Earle-Sears’ And Youngkin’s Support Of Trump’s Cuts On The Federal Workforce
Fairfax Now: The Fairfax County Board Of Supervisors Condemned Earle-Sears’ And Youngkin’s Support Of Trump’s Cuts On The Federal Workforce, Emphasizing That The Cuts Could “Undermine The Economy Of Fairfax County, And By Extension, Virginia.” According to Fairfax Now, “A majority of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors criticized Gov. Glenn Youngkin yesterday (Tuesday) for backing the Trump administration’s efforts to shrink the federal workforce, warning that the sweeping cuts could undermine the economy of Fairfax County and, by extension, Virginia. Led by Chairman Jeff McKay, the mostly Democratic board suggested that Youngkin, a Republican, could support President Donald Trump’s goals or the people in Virginia he was elected to represent, including thousands of federal workers and contractors, but not both. [...] Youngkin’s argument has been shared by other Republicans in Virginia, including gubernatorial candidate and current Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity, who’s seeking statewide office as an aspiring successor to Earle-Sears.” [Fairfax Now, 2/19/25]
¶ Washington Examiner: “Virginia Is One Of The States Most Affected By Trump And Musk’s Move To Shrink The Federal Workforce”
Washington Examiner: “Virginia Is One Of The States Most Affected By Trump And Musk’s Move To Shrink The Federal Workforce.” According to the Washington Examiner, “‘If you add up the fact that Virginia voted against Trump three times and the disruptions of the federal workforce, which you might feel more of in Virginia than in other places, you start stacking up some advantages for Spanberger,’ Kondik said. Virginia is one of the states most affected by Trump and Musk’s moves to shrink the federal workforce. The state is home to 145,000 federal workers, according to the Office of Personnel Management. Spanberger has described the widespread layoffs as an attack on the state’s economy. ‘This frankly isn’t about politics,’ Spanberger said in an interview with NBC News, later adding, ‘It is a chaotic circumstance coming out of this White House and this administration, and it is deeply, deeply damaging to real people and real jobs and real families.’” [Washington Examiner, 3/12/25]
¶ The Unemployment Rate In Fairfax County Increased 17% In February 2025 Compared To February 2024
According To The Virginia Employment Commission, The Unemployment Rate In Fairfax County Increased 17% In February 2025 Compared To The Unemployment Rate Of February 2024. According to FFX Now, “The number of Fairfax County residents counted as unemployed and looking for work in February spiked 17% from the same month in 2024 in new data. The city and county-level unemployment figures released by the Virginia Employment Commission last Thursday (April 10) kickstarted what could be a series of punishing monthly jobless reports in coming months, as the D.C. region begins to adjust to the ripple effects of the Trump administration gutting the federal government and tariff-related uncertainty.” [FFX Now, 4/14/25]
¶ Unemployment Rises In Virginia As Trump Conducts Mass Layoffs
March 2025: Virginia Unemployment Claims Doubled From March 2024 And Rose 40% From February 2025, As The Trump Administration Fired Thousands Of Virginia-Based Federal Workers. According to WFXR (FOX), “The fallout from mass federal layoffs continues. Unemployment claims in Virginia are skyrocketing. Data shows more than 4,000 people filing in the first full week of March. That's nearly double the number of people filing during the same time last year. And it's a 40% increase from the end of February. House of Delegates Speaker Don Scott says the data is proof that President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's efforts to cut the size of the federal government are having devastating impacts on Virginians, ‘In a sea of people championing and laughing, using props like chainsaws when they're hurting real people, their families, their children. That's a shame.’ Governor Youngkin said that the number of people filling out those unemployment was not unusual but he added that his administration is working to help fired federal workers find a new job in Virginia.” [WFXR (FOX), 3/19/25]
¶ Virginia Veteran Was Forced To Reschedule Medical Procedure After VA Layoffs
February 2025: A Virginia Army Veteran Had Her Life-Saving Medical Appointment Cancelled After The Trump Administration Fired 1,000 Employees At The Department Of Veterans Affairs And Left The Agency Short-Staffed. According to WVTR-RIC (CBS), “WVTR-RIC (CBS): ‘Right now, a Hampton Roads veteran is scrambling to reschedule a lifesaving medical appointment that was recently canceled by the VA. That canceled appointment followed the Trump administration's job cuts at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Army Veteran Valerie Jackson says the VA Medical Center in Hampton told her Friday her appointment 10 days later was canceled because of a staffing shortage and that her mammogram will now be in June. The notification came after the Trump administration announced more than 1,000 Department of Veterans Affairs employees were being laid off. Scripps News Group Station WTKR reached out to the Medical Center and the VA today, but a spokesperson said they need more time to look into Jackson’s case. The Department of Veterans Affairs says the February 13th layoffs would save nearly 100 million dollars. But for Jackson, that is not justification,.’ VALERIE JACKSON, ARMY VETERAN: ‘You've got to look at the human aspect of it. It's one thing to save the money. But if your people are going to suffer. Is it really going to benefit them? I want to be known as a person, not as a number.’ WTVR-RIC (CBS): ‘In a statement announcing one of the 1000 layoffs, VA Secretary Doug Collins called the decision ‘tough but right.’ He added the VA will announce plans for how the resources saved as a result will be used.’” [WTVR-RIC (CBS), 2/17/25]
- VA Secretary Doug Collins Called The Trump Administration’s 1,000 Firings At The Department “Tough But Right.” According to WVTR-RIC (CBS), “WVTR-RIC (CBS): ‘Right now, a Hampton Roads veteran is scrambling to reschedule a lifesaving medical appointment that was recently canceled by the VA. That canceled appointment followed the Trump administration's job cuts at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Army Veteran Valerie Jackson says the VA Medical Center in Hampton told her Friday her appointment 10 days later was canceled because of a staffing shortage and that her mammogram will now be in June. The notification came after the Trump administration announced more than 1,000 Department of Veterans Affairs employees were being laid off. Scripps News Group Station WTKR reached out to the Medical Center and the VA today, but a spokesperson said they need more time to look into Jackson’s case. The Department of Veterans Affairs says the February 13th layoffs would save nearly 100 million dollars. But for Jackson, that is not justification,.’ VALERIE JACKSON, ARMY VETERAN: ‘You've got to look at the human aspect of it. It's one thing to save the money. But if your people are going to suffer. Is it really going to benefit them? I want to be known as a person, not as a number.’ WTVR-RIC (CBS): ‘In a statement announcing one of the 1000 layoffs, VA Secretary Doug Collins called the decision ‘tough but right.’ He added the VA will announce plans for how the resources saved as a result will be used.’” [WTVR-RIC (CBS), 2/17/25]
- Army Veteran Valerie Jackson, Whose Appointment The VA Cancelled, Said “It’s One Thing To Save Money, But If Your People Are Going To Suffer, Is It Really Going To Benefit Them? I Want To Be Known As A Person, Not A Number.” According to WVTR-RIC (CBS), “WVTR-RIC (CBS): ‘Right now, a Hampton Roads veteran is scrambling to reschedule a lifesaving medical appointment that was recently canceled by the VA. That canceled appointment followed the Trump administration's job cuts at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Army Veteran Valerie Jackson says the VA Medical Center in Hampton told her Friday her appointment 10 days later was canceled because of a staffing shortage and that her mammogram will now be in June. The notification came after the Trump administration announced more than 1,000 Department of Veterans Affairs employees were being laid off. Scripps News Group Station WTKR reached out to the Medical Center and the VA today, but a spokesperson said they need more time to look into Jackson’s case. The Department of Veterans Affairs says the February 13th layoffs would save nearly 100 million dollars. But for Jackson, that is not justification,.’ VALERIE JACKSON, ARMY VETERAN: ‘You've got to look at the human aspect of it. It's one thing to save the money. But if your people are going to suffer. Is it really going to benefit them? I want to be known as a person, not as a number.’ WTVR-RIC (CBS): ‘In a statement announcing one of the 1000 layoffs, VA Secretary Doug Collins called the decision ‘tough but right.’ He added the VA will announce plans for how the resources saved as a result will be used.’” [WTVR-RIC (CBS), 2/17/25]
¶ Laid Off Virginians Were Forced To Seek Out New Health Insurance
March 2025: A Virginia Non-Profit That Helped People Find Health Insurance Experienced An Increase In Calls From Fired Federal Workers Who Lost Their Health Insurance And Had Only 60 Days To Arrange For New Coverage. According to WCAV (CBS), “ANCHOR: ‘A Virginia non-profit that helps people find health insurance is seeing an increase in calls amid federal layoffs. The director of Enroll Virginia says many of these Virginians who lose their employer-related insurance coverage have never had to enroll in health insurance on their own.’ DIRECTOR OF ENROLL VIRGINIA MADALA: ‘Make sure you're starting to collect all of your medical needs, so what prescriptions you are taking? You know, what, if you have any upcoming appointments, things like that, just kind of collect and make sure you know what those are. And then when you go to a navigator or even an agent and broker, they can be in better position to help you understand kind of what the best plan, or you know, kind of best option may be for your family.’ ANCHOR: ‘Now you only have a 60-day time period after losing employer-related insurance to choose a new health care plan, so make sure you act fast.’” [WCAV (CBS), 3/6/25]
¶ Virginia Farmers Impacted By USDA Cuts “I Cannot Buy Gravels For The Road”
March 2025: Virginia Farmers Said The Agriculture Department’s Cuts To Food Banks And Schools Under The Trump Administration Would Hurt Their Overall Business And Cause A Negative Ripple Effect In The Local Economies Of Farms Tasked With Producing The Food. According to WFXR (FOX), “WFXR (FOX): ‘The Department of Agriculture recently scrapped a billion dollars for food banks and schools. The money went to local farmers to grow the produce for those agencies, and they say the cuts will impact their overall business. On top of that, the various tariffs from President Trump mean it will cost more to farm and sell their produce to other countries.’ FARMER JOHN SPANGLER: ‘If we don't have money coming in here, I cannot buy gravels for the road, I cannot donate to all these other little groups, and, you know, all the things that needs to make the community go. I'm not over at the local store, you know, buying hardware as much. I'm not doing all the things because— and you know, it affects everybody.’ WFXR (FOX): ‘According to the School Nutrition Association, cuts to local food banks and schools will mean roughly 12 million children will go without meals.’” [WFXR (FOX), 3/14/25]
- Farmer John Spangler Said Trump’s Cuts Would Hurt His Income And Cause Him To Stop Spending Money In The Local Economy His Farm Supported. According to WFXR (FOX), “WFXR (FOX): ‘The Department of Agriculture recently scrapped a billion dollars for food banks and schools. The money went to local farmers to grow the produce for those agencies, and they say the cuts will impact their overall business. On top of that, the various tariffs from President Trump mean it will cost more to farm and sell their produce to other countries. FARMER JOHN SPANGLER: ‘If we don't have money coming in here, I cannot buy gravels for the road, I cannot donate to all these other little groups, and, you know, all the things that needs to make the community go. I'm not over at the local store, you know, buying hardware as much. I'm not doing all the things because— and you know, it affects everybody.’ WFXR (FOX): ‘According to the School Nutrition Association, cuts to local food banks and schools will mean roughly 12 million children will go without meals.’” [WFXR (FOX), 3/14/25] 250314_HEB_11029_A
- The School Nutrition Association Said Trump’s Cuts To Local Food Banks And Schools Would Mean “Roughly 12 Million Children Will Go Without Meals.” According to WFXR (FOX), “WFXR (FOX): ‘The Department of Agriculture recently scrapped a billion dollars for food banks and schools. The money went to local farmers to grow the produce for those agencies, and they say the cuts will impact their overall business. On top of that, the various tariffs from President Trump mean it will cost more to farm and sell their produce to other countries. FARMER JOHN SPANGLER: ‘If we don't have money coming in here, I cannot buy gravels for the road, I cannot donate to all these other little groups, and, you know, all the things that needs to make the community go. I'm not over at the local store, you know, buying hardware as much. I'm not doing all the things because— and you know, it affects everybody.’ WFXR (FOX):‘According to the School Nutrition Association, cuts to local food banks and schools will mean roughly 12 million children will go without meals.’” [WFXR (FOX), 3/14/25]
¶ Virginia Veterans Laid Off In Trump Firings
March 15, 2025: LaShavia Prather, A Veteran Who Was Pregnant, Was Fired From Her Job At The Hampton, Virginia Department Of Veterans Affairs Amid Trump’s Cuts To The Federal Workforce, And Said She Was Unsure If She Would Be Reinstated. According to WTKR-NFK (CBS), “WTKR-NFK: ‘Things could be looking up for thousands of federal workers, including those right here in Hampton Roads. They may soon have their jobs back. A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to immediately reinstate probationary employees who were fired. News 3 Reporter Angela Bohon is following through on our extensive coverage in talking with a veteran who was unexpectedly fired from her job at the Hampton VA.’ REPORTER: ‘There are a quite few questions about how this process will happen and some wonder if it will happen at all. Meantime, some government employees are home keeping their options open as they watch and wait.’ LASHAVIA PRATER, VETERAN: ‘In big letters, it said ‘TERMINATED’ in the subject line. I really thought it was a joke. I thought we got had.’ REPORTER: ‘We first met Lashavia last month after she said she was suddenly terminated from her job as secretary at the Hampton VA. The Georgia native is a veteran herself and is expecting her fifth child. Though she had only been working at the VA for less than a year, she says her co-workers were like family. LASHAVIA PRATER, VETERAN: ‘It’s kind of hard to detach your feelings from it, especially when you have those bonds with those people.’ REPORTER: ‘Probationary employees were fired last month as part of the Trump administration's effort to rapidly shrink the federal workforce. This latest order to reinstate the jobs applies to half a dozen federal agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Veteran Affairs which announced recently that more than 1,400 employees were being cut nationwide. Prather tells me she has not received any notification that she can have her job back yet, but she is waiting and keeping her options.’ LASHAVIA PRATER, VETERAN: ‘I’m trying not to put all my eggs in a basket like my grandmother says and end up with that disappointment and heartache.’ REPORTER: ‘Prather said she is working with a local union (AFGE Local 2328 Union) to help keep her informed. That union group posted on social media about the judge’s order, along with the #SaveOurVeterans and #FireElon’ LASHAVIA PRATER, VETERAN: ‘And like I said, with me being a veteran, it’s like it’s a double-edged sword because I still have to go to the VA to get some of my treatments done. So it’s like dang, I have to come up here at the place I used to work.’” [WTKR-NFK (CBS), 3/16/25]
- Prather, A Veteran Who Was Pregnant, Said It Was A “Double Edged Sword” Because She Had To Rely On The VA, From Which She Had Just Been Fired, To Receive Health Care. According to WTKR-NFK (CBS), “WTKR-NFK: ‘Things could be looking up for thousands of federal workers, including those right here in Hampton Roads. They may soon have their jobs back. A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to immediately reinstate probationary employees who were fired. News 3 Reporter Angela Bohon is following through on our extensive coverage in talking with a veteran who was unexpectedly fired from her job at the Hampton VA.’ REPORTER: ‘There are a quite few questions about how this process will happen and some wonder if it will happen at all. Meantime, some government employees are home keeping their options open as they watch and wait.’ LASHAVIA PRATER, VETERAN: ‘In big letters, it said ‘TERMINATED’ in the subject line. I really thought it was a joke. I thought we got had.’ REPORTER: ‘We first met Lashavia last month after she said she was suddenly terminated from her job as secretary at the Hampton VA. The Georgia native is a veteran herself and is expecting her fifth child. Though she had only been working at the VA for less than a year, she says her co-workers were like family. LASHAVIA PRATER, VETERAN: ‘It’s kind of hard to detach your feelings from it, especially when you have those bonds with those people.’ REPORTER: ‘Probationary employees were fired last month as part of the Trump administration's effort to rapidly shrink the federal workforce. This latest order to reinstate the jobs applies to half a dozen federal agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Veteran Affairs which announced recently that more than 1,400 employees were being cut nationwide. Prather tells me she has not received any notification that she can have her job back yet, but she is waiting and keeping her options.’ LASHAVIA PRATER, VETERAN: ‘I’m trying not to put all my eggs in a basket like my grandmother says and end up with that disappointment and heartache.’ REPORTER: ‘Prather said she is working with a local union (AFGE Local 2328 Union) to help keep her informed. That union group posted on social media about the judge’s order, along with the #SaveOurVeterans and #FireElon’ LASHAVIA PRATER, VETERAN: ‘And like I said, with me being a veteran, it’s like it’s a double-edged sword because I still have to go to the VA to get some of my treatments done. So it’s like dang, I have to come up here at the place I used to work.’” [WTKR-NFK (CBS), 3/16/25]
¶ Active Duty Virginians Concerned Over Cuts To The VA
March 2025: Active Duty And Retired Service Members Said They Were Concerned The Trump Administration’s Firing Of 80,000 VA Employees Would Have A Negative Impact On Their Benefits. According to WAVY-NFK (NBC), “WAVY NEWS: ‘Veterans had plenty of questions at a town hall in Hampton following reports the Trump administration plans to cut 80,000 jobs from the VA. We were not allowed inside the meeting, which was on Facebook Live, and then we wereasked to leave the property, but we did get some interviews before leaving.’ SEWELL, ACTIVE DUTY: ‘I’m concerned about what they’re doing with cutting benefits for veterans and what talking about it, not cutting it yet so that's a big concern.’ WOFFORD, RETIRED VETERAN: ‘And I think the other day that they made good decision is recommend the cut but leave it to the agency itself. Where can I cut? Don't come in with a chainsaw when you can do it with a scalpel.’” [WAVY-NFK (NBC), 3/5/25]
¶ Virginia Veterans Worry About Impact To Health Care With VA Layoffs
March 2025: Northern Virginia Veterans Association President Angela McConnell Said Veterans Were “Uncertain,” “Confused,” And “Very Much Scared” That Trump’s Firing Of More Than 80,000 VA Employees Could Cause A “Devastating” Disruption In Health Benefits. According to WDVM 25, “WDVM 25: ‘The Department of Veterans Affairs is the latest federal agency expected to be hit with massive job cuts. The Associated Press reports that more than 80,000 federal workers will be fired and the news is leaving veterans confused and concerned. DC News Now’s Max Marcella has more on the impact on many in the region.’ REPORTER: ‘The mass federal firings that have been protested by some and celebrated by the president and his allies could soon hit the VA. President of the Northern Virginia Veterans’ AssociationAngela McConnell: ‘Our veterans are uncertain. They're confused. They're very much scared.’ REPORTER: ‘Angela McConnell, president of the Northern Virginia Veterans Association says the agency provides critical health care and mental health care to so many vets in our area.’ ANGELA MCCONNELL: ‘We cannot reassure them as an organization because we have no idea what’s going to happen next.’ VA SECRETARY COLLINS: ‘The VA will always fulfill its duty to provide veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors the health care and benefits they have earned. That’s a promise’ VA Secretary Doug Collins says health care and benefits won't be impacted, saying the layoffs are part of needed changes. VA SECRETARY COLLINS: ‘The VA’s biggest problem is that its bureaucracy and inefficiencies are getting in the way of customer convenience and service to veterans.’ REPORTER: ‘Congressional Democrats aren’t buying it.’ SENATOR SCHUMER: ‘It's going to mean longer wait times, fewer appointments, and ultimately less health care for our veterans. It is outrageous.’ REPORTER: ‘Do you see a way that you can cut this many positions without an impact to health care or benefits?’ ANGELA MCCONNELL: ‘I don't know. All I know is that our veterans are being told by VA health care providers that they're not sure if they're going to be able to continue providing care in the same way.’” [WDVM 25, 3/6/25]
¶ Cuts To The VA Worry Virginia Veterans In Hampton Roads
March 2025: Veterans And Active Duty Service Members In Hampton Roads Said They Were Concerned That Trump’s Firing Of 80,000 VA Employees Would Negatively Impact Their VA Benefits And Health Care. According to WVBT-NFK (FOX), “WVBT-NFK: ‘80,000 employees are being cut from the Department of Veterans Affairs, according to an internal memo from the Trump administration. Hampton Roads, which has a large veteran population, will see a major setback. 10 On Your Side Fox has more on what these layoffs for local care and treatment for those who served our country. This is building 83 behind me at the VA here in Hampton. One person we spoke with said concerned about future cuts in benefits. Joe Wofford, a retired Navy veteran with 27 years of service.’ WOFFORD, RETIRED VETERAN: ‘We have so much people here that are out on community care. And I, for one, am one. And I know it's not going to be cut back, and it's what a lot of veterans think.’ WVBT-NFK: ‘We were not allowed in the meeting and then we were asked to leave the property. Reports are out that the Department of Veterans Affairs is planning a reorganization that includes cutting up to 80,000 jobs.’ WOFFORD, RETIRED VETERAN: ‘Recommend the cut, but leave it to the agency itself. Where can I cut? Don't come in with a chainsaw when you can do it with a scalpel.’ WVBT-NFK: ‘The town hall meeting was put out on Facebook Live. You can see a lot of people showed up. Questions came in on Facebook, while Dannenberg is the acting director of the Hampton VA Health Care System. DANNENBERG, ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE HAMPTON VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM: ‘Now, Mr. Harper and I are discussing is we do have an expanded footprint of boards and social services at the new battlefield site that is slated to open in April.’ WVBT-NFK: ‘Susie Sewell is a Yorktown resident, 42 years of service, Active Duty and Reserve.’ SEWELL, ACTIVE DUTY: ‘I’m concerned about what they’re doing with cutting benefits for veterans and we’re talking about it, not cutting it yet.’ DANNENBERG, ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE HAMPTON VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM: ‘Again, the VA healthcare system is deeply committed to providing world-class care. And as I said earlier, we may not always get it right, but we want to be steadfast in resolving whatever issues come up.’ WVBT-NFK: ‘The overriding concern is about the new administration now in power, what will that VA look in the future? That seemed to be the overriding concern.’” [WVBT-NFK (FOX), 3/5/25]
¶ Virginia Workers Demand Support After Layoffs
February 2025: WRC-DC (NBC): “While Thousands Of Youngkin’s Own Constituents Are Being Seemingly Indiscriminately Fired, The Governor Is Applauding The Move.” According to WRC-DC (NBC), “HOST 1: ‘Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin took questions today about the slashing of the federal workforce, with tens of thousands of his own constituents living in fear of losing their jobs. Our Northern Virginia bureau reporter Drew Wilder explains why Democrats are criticizing the governor for not standing up for those constituents.’ HOST 2: ‘For the first time, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is directly addressing the dismantling of federal government agencies. While thousands of Youngkin's own constituents are being seemingly indiscriminately fired, the governor is applauding the move.’ GLENN YOUNGKIN: ‘We need to press forward and drive efficiencies in our federal government, and as a result of driving those efficiencies, I do expect that some Virginians will lose their jobs.’ HOST 2: ‘In Fairfax County this morning, Youngkin also announced a new program to help fired federal workers find new jobs. Democratic Speaker of Virginia's House of Delegates, Don Scott, says the governor is talking out of both sides of his mouth—applauding mass layoffs while also claiming to help those laid off.’ DON SCOTT: ‘For the governor to tell people who are losing their livelihoods to go to an unemployment website is shameful. It's embarrassing. It's dehumanizing.’ HOST 2: ‘The website the governor launched is called VirginiaHasJobs.com, and it claims to link to 250,000 open jobs—100,000 of them in Northern Virginia. Specifically, the page navigates to the websites of some of Virginia's major companies and also to popular job search engines like LinkedIn and Indeed. But Indeed tells News 4 that the job market would struggle to support the type of workers that are being laid off. Indeed describes the federal workforce as ‘knowledge workers,’ meaning they work with their minds, not their hands. And Indeed says given the scale of the announced layoffs, the private sector may not be hiring enough to absorb these workers.’ GLENN YOUNGKIN: ‘Americans voted for a more efficient federal government, and that's exactly what President Trump and the administration are working to deliver.’ HOST 2: ‘The governor also says Virginia's unemployment program, the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC), is available to help bridge the gap for fired federal workers. However, the maximum benefit is just $387 per week, which would add up to about $20,000 per year. The Office of Personnel Management reports that the average federal worker makes more than five times that amount.’ DON SCOTT: ‘It's unfortunate that the governor won't even stand up for the people that elected him. He won't even stand up for the Commonwealth of Virginia to Donald Trump.’ HOST 2: ‘News 4 reached out to the Virginia Employment Commission to ask how many Virginians have lost their jobs so far. VEC says that this month, about 300 federal workers have filed initial unemployment claims, and about 120 federal contract workers have filed claims as DOGE claims even more layoffs are on the way.’” [WRC-DC (NBC), 2/25/25]
- Youngkin: “We Need To Press Forward And Drive Efficiencies In Our Federal Government, And As A Result Of Driving Those Efficiencies, I Do Expect That Some Virginians Will Lose Their Jobs.” According to WRC-DC (NBC), “HOST 1: ‘Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin took questions today about the slashing of the federal workforce, with tens of thousands of his own constituents living in fear of losing their jobs. Our Northern Virginia bureau reporter Drew Wilder explains why Democrats are criticizing the governor for not standing up for those constituents.’ HOST 2: ‘For the first time, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is directly addressing the dismantling of federal government agencies. While thousands of Youngkin's own constituents are being seemingly indiscriminately fired, the governor is applauding the move.’ GLENN YOUNGKIN: ‘We need to press forward and drive efficiencies in our federal government, and as a result of driving those efficiencies, I do expect that some Virginians will lose their jobs.’ HOST 2: ‘In Fairfax County this morning, Youngkin also announced a new program to help fired federal workers find new jobs. Democratic Speaker of Virginia's House of Delegates, Don Scott, says the governor is talking out of both sides of his mouth—applauding mass layoffs while also claiming to help those laid off.’ DON SCOTT: ‘For the governor to tell people who are losing their livelihoods to go to an unemployment website is shameful. It's embarrassing. It's dehumanizing.’ HOST 2: ‘The website the governor launched is called VirginiaHasJobs.com, and it claims to link to 250,000 open jobs—100,000 of them in Northern Virginia. Specifically, the page navigates to the websites of some of Virginia's major companies and also to popular job search engines like LinkedIn and Indeed. But Indeed tells News 4 that the job market would struggle to support the type of workers that are being laid off. Indeed describes the federal workforce as ‘knowledge workers,’ meaning they work with their minds, not their hands. And Indeed says given the scale of the announced layoffs, the private sector may not be hiring enough to absorb these workers.’ GLENN YOUNGKIN: ‘Americans voted for a more efficient federal government, and that's exactly what President Trump and the administration are working to deliver.’ HOST 2: ‘The governor also says Virginia's unemployment program, the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC), is available to help bridge the gap for fired federal workers. However, the maximum benefit is just $387 per week, which would add up to about $20,000 per year. The Office of Personnel Management reports that the average federal worker makes more than five times that amount.’ DON SCOTT: ‘It's unfortunate that the governor won't even stand up for the people that elected him. He won't even stand up for the Commonwealth of Virginia to Donald Trump.’ HOST 2: ‘News 4 reached out to the Virginia Employment Commission to ask how many Virginians have lost their jobs so far. VEC says that this month, about 300 federal workers have filed initial unemployment claims, and about 120 federal contract workers have filed claims as DOGE claims even more layoffs are on the way.’” [WRC-DC (NBC), 2/25/25]
- February 2025: Youngkin Launched A Website Aimed At Helping Fired Federal Workers Find New Jobs Which Largely Redirected To External Job Sites Like LinkedIn And Indeed, And Indeed Said The Platform May Not Have Many Jobs Well Suited For The Fired Workers. According to WRC-DC (NBC), “HOST 1: ‘Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin took questions today about the slashing of the federal workforce, with tens of thousands of his own constituents living in fear of losing their jobs. Our Northern Virginia bureau reporter Drew Wilder explains why Democrats are criticizing the governor for not standing up for those constituents.’ HOST 2: ‘For the first time, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is directly addressing the dismantling of federal government agencies. While thousands of Youngkin's own constituents are being seemingly indiscriminately fired, the governor is applauding the move.’ GLENN YOUNGKIN: ‘We need to press forward and drive efficiencies in our federal government, and as a result of driving those efficiencies, I do expect that some Virginians will lose their jobs.’ HOST 2: ‘In Fairfax County this morning, Youngkin also announced a new program to help fired federal workers find new jobs. Democratic Speaker of Virginia's House of Delegates, Don Scott, says the governor is talking out of both sides of his mouth—applauding mass layoffs while also claiming to help those laid off.’ DON SCOTT: ‘For the governor to tell people who are losing their livelihoods to go to an unemployment website is shameful. It's embarrassing. It's dehumanizing.’ HOST 2: ‘The website the governor launched is called VirginiaHasJobs.com, and it claims to link to 250,000 open jobs—100,000 of them in Northern Virginia. Specifically, the page navigates to the websites of some of Virginia's major companies and also to popular job search engines like LinkedIn and Indeed. But Indeed tells News 4 that the job market would struggle to support the type of workers that are being laid off. Indeed describes the federal workforce as ‘knowledge workers,’ meaning they work with their minds, not their hands. And Indeed says given the scale of the announced layoffs, the private sector may not be hiring enough to absorb these workers.’ GLENN YOUNGKIN: ‘Americans voted for a more efficient federal government, and that's exactly what President Trump and the administration are working to deliver.’ HOST 2: ‘The governor also says Virginia's unemployment program, the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC), is available to help bridge the gap for fired federal workers. However, the maximum benefit is just $387 per week, which would add up to about $20,000 per year. The Office of Personnel Management reports that the average federal worker makes more than five times that amount.’ DON SCOTT: ‘It's unfortunate that the governor won't even stand up for the people that elected him. He won't even stand up for the Commonwealth of Virginia to Donald Trump.’ HOST 2: ‘News 4 reached out to the Virginia Employment Commission to ask how many Virginians have lost their jobs so far. VEC says that this month, about 300 federal workers have filed initial unemployment claims, and about 120 federal contract workers have filed claims as DOGE claims even more layoffs are on the way.’” [WRC-DC (NBC), 2/25/25]
- February 2025: Youngkin Encouraged Fired Federal Workers To Apply For Unemployment Payment, But The Virginia Unemployment Maximum Benefit Was $387 Per Week Or $20,000 Per Year, Whereas Fired Federal Workers Were Used To Making Five Times As Much. According to WRC-DC (NBC), “HOST 1: ‘Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin took questions today about the slashing of the federal workforce, with tens of thousands of his own constituents living in fear of losing their jobs. Our Northern Virginia bureau reporter Drew Wilder explains why Democrats are criticizing the governor for not standing up for those constituents.’ HOST 2: ‘For the first time, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is directly addressing the dismantling of federal government agencies. While thousands of Youngkin's own constituents are being seemingly indiscriminately fired, the governor is applauding the move.’ GLENN YOUNGKIN: ‘We need to press forward and drive efficiencies in our federal government, and as a result of driving those efficiencies, I do expect that some Virginians will lose their jobs.’ HOST 2: ‘In Fairfax County this morning, Youngkin also announced a new program to help fired federal workers find new jobs. Democratic Speaker of Virginia's House of Delegates, Don Scott, says the governor is talking out of both sides of his mouth—applauding mass layoffs while also claiming to help those laid off.’ DON SCOTT: ‘For the governor to tell people who are losing their livelihoods to go to an unemployment website is shameful. It's embarrassing. It's dehumanizing.’ HOST 2: ‘The website the governor launched is called VirginiaHasJobs.com, and it claims to link to 250,000 open jobs—100,000 of them in Northern Virginia. Specifically, the page navigates to the websites of some of Virginia's major companies and also to popular job search engines like LinkedIn and Indeed. But Indeed tells News 4 that the job market would struggle to support the type of workers that are being laid off. Indeed describes the federal workforce as ‘knowledge workers,’ meaning they work with their minds, not their hands. And Indeed says given the scale of the announced layoffs, the private sector may not be hiring enough to absorb these workers.’ GLENN YOUNGKIN: ‘Americans voted for a more efficient federal government, and that's exactly what President Trump and the administration are working to deliver.’ HOST 2: ‘The governor also says Virginia's unemployment program, the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC), is available to help bridge the gap for fired federal workers. However, the maximum benefit is just $387 per week, which would add up to about $20,000 per year. The Office of Personnel Management reports that the average federal worker makes more than five times that amount.’ DON SCOTT: ‘It's unfortunate that the governor won't even stand up for the people that elected him. He won't even stand up for the Commonwealth of Virginia to Donald Trump.’ HOST 2: ‘News 4 reached out to the Virginia Employment Commission to ask how many Virginians have lost their jobs so far. VEC says that this month, about 300 federal workers have filed initial unemployment claims, and about 120 federal contract workers have filed claims as DOGE claims even more layoffs are on the way.’” [WRC-DC (NBC), 2/25/25]
¶ Federal Contractors In Virginia Speak Out
February 2025: A Union Leader For Fired Federal Workers Said There Was A “Lot Of Stress, A Lot Of Concern, A Lot Of Uncertainty” Among The 145,000 Virginia Based Federal Workers At Risk Of Losing Their Jobs. According to WUSA-DC (CBS), “HOST 1: ‘You know, the same note each night. It seems like we're telling you about federal employees who have been laid off or fear they will be soon.’ HOST 2: ‘So we're doing what we can to inform them and make them aware of the help that's available in every corner of the DMV. State and local leaders are doing the same thing.’ HOST 1: ‘Leslie Moreno continues our team coverage tonight, spotlighting some new resources announced today.’ HOST 3: ‘Thousands of federal workers have been fired and thousands more to lose their jobs in the second Trump administration.’ JOHN HATTON: ‘A lot of stress, a lot of concern, a lot of uncertainty about what the future holds for individuals.’ HOST 3: ‘D.C. is home to roughly 190,000 federal workers. Virginia, 145,000. And Maryland, over 140,000. John Hatton, with the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, says the union has been overwhelmed.’ JOHN HATTON: ‘If you are really at the point where you being let go or having a serious action done against you, you probably need to consult an attorney. And we're trying to get as many people in touch with attorneys as possible and try to make sure that those resources are available because there's just a lot going on. And the people who usually deal with this don't deal with this volume of terminations.’ HOST 3: ‘Today, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the launch of Virginiahasjobs.com. The website has 250,000 jobs available in private and public sectors, as well as unemployment insurance benefits and career guidance.’ GLENN YOUNGKIN: ‘We have worked so hard over the last three years to build this vibrant economy different than anything Virginians have seen before, with private sector opportunities abounding and an opportunity to take those jobs.’ HOST 3: ‘DC's unemployment website showcases available jobs and walks workers through the steps to apply for unemployment insurance. On Maryland.com, you can find unemployment insurance benefits, career guidance and reemployment support. Knauf is actively working with federal employees, helping them navigate through the resources and Hatton encourages everyone to engage in the democratic process.’ JOHN HATTON: ‘Your representatives in Congress need to hear from you about how your how these actions are affecting you, how they're affecting your community, how they're affecting your family, or it's going to it's going to continue to happen over and over again.’ HOST 3: ‘Arlington Democrats will be hosting a town hall tomorrow night for federal employees and contractors. They'll be connecting them to legal experts. We'll have a crew there tomorrow at 6:30, will have all these resources and more on WUSA9.com.’” [WUSA-DC (CBS), 2/24/25]
¶ Virginia Workers Speak Out After Mass Firings
February 2025: A Fired IRS Worker Said Trump’s Firings Were Impacting Workers On The Lowest Rung Of Federal Agencies Who Made The Least Amount Of Money But Who Did Important Administrative Work: “People Who Keep Our Food And Drinking Water Safe.” According to WTVR-RIC (CBS), “SHAWN HARTLEY: ‘That position that I lost meant so much to me.’ HOST 1: ‘For Shawn Hartley, the past few days have left her feeling, as she puts it, not quite devastated- SHAWN HARTLEY: ‘but pretty close to devastated,’ HOST 1: ‘as Hartley was among those laid off last week from her job at the Richmond IRS office as part of a larger series of cuts to the federal workforce by President Donald Trump's administration.’ SHAWN HARTLEY ‘But it also means a great deal to me that so many others are in the same position.’ HOST 1: ‘Hartley says she agrees cuts could be found, but it's being done wrong. Large sweeps impacting workers on the lowest rungs who make the least but do important work.’ SHAWN HARTLEY: ‘Not just people like me at the IRS, but it's people who keep our food and our drinking water safe.’ GLENN YOUNGKIN: ‘There is opportunity here in the state and there is a support infrastructure that's in place.’ HOST 1: ‘Meanwhile, Monday, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the launch of two websites to help people affected by the cuts. He says Virginia has 250,000 open jobs and adds while he feels for those impacted, he supports what's being done.’ GLENN YOUNGKIN: ‘We need to press forward and drive efficiencies in our federal government and as a result, in driving those efficiencies, I do expect that some Virginians will lose their jobs. And that's why it's so important that we provide alternative alternative opportunities for them.’ HOST 1: ‘The first website has links for those laid off on how to get unemployment, health insurance and improve or get new job skills. The second, called Virginiahasjobs. It's a job listing portal broken up into regions in private and public sector with direct links to major employers. Those include health care companies and school systems. It also has links to job postings, sites for different industries.’ GLENN YOUNGKIN: ‘We have got a pathway to a great career right here in the Commonwealth and we are ready to help you along that pathway.’ DON SCOTT: ‘It is disingenuous to say that we can absorb all of the jobs that are being cut by the Department of Greedy elitists.’ HOST 1: ‘But Democratic House Speaker Don Scott says the governor's plan lacks empathy and this is a preventable crisis.’ DON SCOTT: ‘Stop telling people to prepare and do a resume. He'll just tell them to stop it. Stand up for Virginians. And hopefully, if he won't do it, I think we all have a responsibility to do that.’ HOST 1: ‘Meanwhile, Hartley says she's already filled out the information on the website, but is waiting to see how many people it can truly help.’ SHAWN HARTLEY: ‘Until I see that there are enough good paying jobs for all of the people who have lost their jobs, I'm going to remain skeptical.’ HOST 1: ‘Meanwhile, Scott reiterated his comments that he believes lawmakers will be back at the state capitol in a few months for a special session on ways they can mitigate the impact of these cuts.’” [WTVR-RIC (CBS), 2/24/25]
- February 2025: Glenn Youngkin Said He “Feels” For People Who Were Fired But Supported The Cuts, While TheFired IRS Worker Said She Put Her Information On Youngkin’s Job Replacement Website But She Doubted There Were Enough Good Paying Jobs For All Of The Workers Who Lost Them. According to WTVR-RIC (CBS), “SHAWN HARTLEY: ‘That position that I lost meant so much to me.’ HOST 1: ‘For Shawn Hartley, the past few days have left her feeling, as she puts it, not quite devastated- SHAWN HARTLEY: ‘but pretty close to devastated,’ HOST 1: ‘as Hartley was among those laid off last week from her job at the Richmond IRS office as part of a larger series of cuts to the federal workforce by President Donald Trump's administration.’ SHAWN HARTLEY ‘But it also means a great deal to me that so many others are in the same position.’ HOST 1: ‘Hartley says she agrees cuts could be found, but it's being done wrong. Large sweeps impacting workers on the lowest rungs who make the least but do important work.’ SHAWN HARTLEY: ‘Not just people like me at the IRS, but it's people who keep our food and our drinking water safe.’ GLENN YOUNGKIN: ‘There is opportunity here in the state and there is a support infrastructure that's in place.’ HOST 1: ‘Meanwhile, Monday, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the launch of two websites to help people affected by the cuts. He says Virginia has 250,000 open jobs and adds while he feels for those impacted, he supports what's being done.’ GLENN YOUNGKIN: ‘We need to press forward and drive efficiencies in our federal government and as a result, in driving those efficiencies, I do expect that some Virginians will lose their jobs. And that's why it's so important that we provide alternative alternative opportunities for them.’ HOST 1: ‘The first website has links for those laid off on how to get unemployment, health insurance and improve or get new job skills. The second, called Virginiahasjobs. It's a job listing portal broken up into regions in private and public sector with direct links to major employers. Those include health care companies and school systems. It also has links to job postings, sites for different industries.’ GLENN YOUNGKIN: ‘We have got a pathway to a great career right here in the Commonwealth and we are ready to help you along that pathway.’ DON SCOTT: ‘It is disingenuous to say that we can absorb all of the jobs that are being cut by the Department of Greedy elitists.’ HOST 1: ‘But Democratic House Speaker Don Scott says the governor's plan lacks empathy and this is a preventable crisis.’ DON SCOTT: ‘Stop telling people to prepare and do a resume. He'll just tell them to stop it. Stand up for Virginians. And hopefully, if he won't do it, I think we all have a responsibility to do that.’ HOST 1: ‘Meanwhile, Hartley says she's already filled out the information on the website, but is waiting to see how many people it can truly help.’ SHAWN HARTLEY: ‘Until I see that there are enough good paying jobs for all of the people who have lost their jobs, I'm going to remain skeptical.’ HOST 1: ‘Meanwhile, Scott reiterated his comments that he believes lawmakers will be back at the state capitol in a few months for a special session on ways they can mitigate the impact of these cuts.’” [WTVR-RIC (CBS), 2/24/25]
¶ Local Union Aims To Protect Thousands of Virginia Workers Laid Off
March 2025: Local Virginia Unions Fought To Secure Administrative Leave With Pay For 40 Fired Workers From The Richmond VA Medical Center, But The Center Was Still Understaffed And Unable To Reinstate Fired Workers. According to WRIC-RIC (ABC), “HOST 1: ‘New details this morning. Local unions are fighting to protect hospital workers amid thousands of federal job cuts and layoffs and say they're making some progress. On Monday, VCU Health sanitation workers ratified a union contract which offers a $3.30 hourly raise and protection from wrongful termination. And at the Richmond Veteran Affairs Medical Center, nearly 40 workers who were fired last month as part of those federal job cuts will now receive administrative leave with pay. The Local 2145 union president says employees aren't able to return to work even though the medical center is already understaffed.’ MINTINA MINTO: ‘We don't have the manpower even to deliver the supplies within our facility. So it's just causing more chaos when we could have brought the employees back in.’ JOHNNY JOHNSON: ‘They just can't walk in and say, you're fired. You've got to go or you're laid off. We got a voice. A voice is important, is strong.’ HOST 1: ‘Now, it's unclear when administrative leave pay for those Veteran Affairs hospital workers will begin. But the union is organizing a protest for employees to return to work.’” [WRIC-RIC (ABC), 3/19/25] 250319_HEB_11121_A
- March 2025: Johnny Johnson From VCU Health Said “They Can’t Just Walk In And Say You’re Fired… We’ve Got A Voice. A Voice Is Important. It’s Strong.” According to WRIC-RIC (ABC), “HOST 1: ‘New details this morning. Local unions are fighting to protect hospital workers amid thousands of federal job cuts and layoffs and say they're making some progress. On Monday, VCU Health sanitation workers ratified a union contract which offers a $3.30 hourly raise and protection from wrongful termination. And at the Richmond Veteran Affairs Medical Center, nearly 40 workers who were fired last month as part of those federal job cuts will now receive administrative leave with pay. The Local 2145 union president says employees aren't able to return to work even though the medical center is already understaffed.’ MINTINA MINTO: ‘We don't have the manpower even to deliver the supplies within our facility. So it's just causing more chaos when we could have brought the employees back in.’ JOHNNY JOHNSON: ‘They just can't walk in and say, you're fired. You've got to go or you're laid off. We got a voice. A voice is important, is strong.’ HOST 1: ‘Now, it's unclear when administrative leave pay for those Veteran Affairs hospital workers will begin. But the union is organizing a protest for employees to return to work.’” [WRIC-RIC (ABC), 3/19/25]
¶ Republican Virginia Gov Candidate Supports Mass Layoffs of Virginians
February 2025: Earle-Sears Defended Trump’s Cuts To Federal Workforce And Suggested People Should Have Expected The Firings: “The President Was Elected Fully Explaining What He Was Going To Do. He Didn’t Hide Anything From Anyone.” According to WVIR (NBC), “HOST 1: ‘With nearly 145,000 federal workers in Virginia, the Trump administration's mass firings are top of mind. Experts say the layoffs could have a huge impact on the Commonwealth's gubernatorial race. Mitchell shares insight from UVA's Center for Politics.’ LARRY SABATO: ‘This can't help Republicans. This will help Democrats. The degree to which we have to see.’ HOST 2: ‘Larry Sabato with UVA Center for Politics says the Trump administration's decision to slash federal jobs could have Virginians voting with a vengeance this November.’ LARRY SABATO: ‘No matter what your partisan affiliation is, when you lose your job and you have somebody you can blame for it, you're not likely to help that person or group of people or that party. You're going to perhaps take out your frustrations on them.’ HOST 2: ‘Many have already lost their jobs and even more are left to worry if they too could be on the chopping block. It's already playing out in Virginia's gubernatorial race.’ ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: ‘If there's a 10% cut in the workforce, that's a cut of 39,000 jobs across Virginia. And that's an estimated loss of $6 billion in state economic output. And so the impact is real.’ EARLE-SEARS: ‘The president was elected fully explaining what he was going to do. He didn't hide anything from anyone.’ HOST 2: ‘But Sabato says lost federal jobs alone will likely not make or break on which party pulls this election out.’ LARRY SABATO: ‘I just don't happen to think that this factor alone will determine a gubernatorial election or the next year's midterm elections. Elections are complicated and there are dozens of factors that are critical in any election. So we'll see.’” [WVIR (NBC), 2/28/25]
¶ Fired Virginians Speak Out Against Trump Layoffs
February 2025: A Department Of Agriculture Employee In Virginia Said She Was Fired Because Her Job Was “DEIA Related” And That She Had To Fire 13 Newly Hired Employees. According to WUSA-DC (CBS), “HOST 1: ‘Well, some temporary relief this morning for thousands of federal workers who could face termination. A federal judge in California has ruled that a Trump administration memo calling for mass firings is likely illegal. Jess Arnold has been tracking the impact of this ruling and has more now from Greenbelt Middle School.’ HOST 2: ‘Congressman Glenn Ivey and Prince George's County Council Chair Jolene Ivey are jointly hosting a public servant summit here at Greenbelt Middle School. So if you were impacted by any of these federal worker executive orders or layoffs, this is for you. They're going to have job opportunities available. You'll be able to speak with union reps. […] Our team caught up with some of the people who have been impacted at a Virginia town hall last night.’ FEDERAL WORKER 1: ‘I will get my termination notice after about a month being employed by the Department of Agriculture.’ FEDERAL WORKER 2: ‘The Wednesday following the inauguration, our contracts were all cut because they were DACA-related.’ FEDERAL WORKER 3: ‘Last week I walked 13 of my new people out the door. Thirteen.’ HOST 2: ‘While this recent ruling from California halts the Office of Personnel Management's ability to continue firing more probationary federal workers, it does not address those who have already been laid off. So if you have any questions again regarding these orders, any of these layoffs, where all of this stands, you can show up to this meeting here tomorrow at Greenbelt Middle School in Prince George's County.’” [WUSA-DC (CBS), 2/28/25]
¶ Mass Firings At Richmond VA
February 2025: Dozens Of Employees Were Fired From The Richmond VA Medical Center Who Came To Work Unaware They Had Been Fired, And They Were Told Their Firing Was Related To Their Performance. According to WRLH-RIC (FOX), “HOST 1: ‘And more layoffs are happening at the Richmond VA Medical Center. Dozens of employees showed up to work Thursday completely unaware they had been let go. Emails reportedly went out Monday in the afternoon. Staff were locked out of their accounts 15 minutes later, so a lot of people didn’t even get to open the email and learn what had happened. Everyone from housekeepers to engineering staff to surgical services were let go, and they were all told it was because of their performance.’ BEATRICE ROBINSON, FIRED FROM VA: ‘It was devastating. I—I cried. I mean, they had to call the chaplain to come and talk to me. I cried because this journey was important to me. You know, this is important work that we do. And how do you just throw people away like that?’ HOST 1: ‘Officials say the recent cuts will not affect veteran health care benefits or other services. They say it will allow more focus on its core mission of serving patients.’” [WRLH-RIC (FOX), 2/28/25]
- February 2025: Richmond VA Employee Beatrice Robinson Was Fired From The Medical Center Without Warning And Said “It Was Devastating. I Cried… This Is Important Work That We Do, And How Do You Just Throw People Away Like That?” According to WRLH-RIC (FOX), “HOST 1: ‘And more layoffs are happening at the Richmond VA Medical Center. Dozens of employees showed up to work Thursday completely unaware they had been let go. Emails reportedly went out Monday in the afternoon. Staff were locked out of their accounts 15 minutes later, so a lot of people didn’t even get to open the email and learn what had happened. Everyone from housekeepers to engineering staff to surgical services were let go, and they were all told it was because of their performance.’ BEATRICE ROBINSON, FIRED FROM VA: ‘It was devastating. I—I cried. I mean, they had to call the chaplain to come and talk to me. I cried because this journey was important to me. You know, this is important work that we do. And how do you just throw people away like that?’ HOST 1: ‘Officials say the recent cuts will not affect veteran health care benefits or other services. They say it will allow more focus on its core mission of serving patients.’” [WRLH-RIC (FOX), 2/28/25]
¶ Virginia's Jobless Claims Jump As Trump Fires USDA Workers
February 2025: A Richmond-Area Park Ranger Said He Was Fired As Part Of The Trump Administration’s Mass Firings, And Was Told It Was Because Of Performance, Despite Reviews That Showed He Exceeded Expectations. According to WFXR (FOX), “HOST 1: ‘Welcome back. A jump in jobless claims last week boosted the number of those seeking aid to its highest level since December. Now, last week, the Department of Labor saw more than 242,000 people filing for unemployment for the first time. That's up from 220,000 just a week earlier and higher than what economists had forecasted. It's not clear how layoffs in the US government are impacting the claims. Meantime, we're hearing from a Richmond-area park ranger who was laid off during recent cuts prompted by the Trump administration. Avery Lentz says he received an email from the US Department of Interior 14 days ago. The termination letter said he, quote, failed to demonstrate qualifications for continued employment and that his abilities do not meet the department's current needs. However, in his performance review, his scores say his performance exceeds expectations and he's, quote, fully successful.’ AVERY LENTZ: ‘Was not my performance that lost me my job. It is just powers that be and things that are out of my control. And I think that makes it even harder.’ HOST 1: ‘Lentz is one of three that were fired in his group of co-workers. He says one of the few bright spots following his dismissal is the support he's receiving from friends, family and former coworkers. It was an emotional day for some of the 16,000 USAID employees as they were given 15 minutes to pack up their offices and leave the building for the last time. This happened just yesterday, many taking the time to say goodbye to their coworkers. The Trump administration has fired 1,600 workers at the office and wants to cut $60 billion in aid worldwide.’ JULIANE ALFEN: ‘To be honest, I'm heartbroken and I thought I would be working here for the next 20 years, so I'm just trying to figure out what's next. But I'm really proud of the work that we do.’ TRUMP: ‘We have to—we're bloated, we're sloppy. We have a lot of people that aren't doing their job.’ HOST 1: ‘Federal agencies have until March 13th to submit plans for large-scale layoffs. Those, leader Elon Musk says, without large cuts to federal programs, the nation could go bankrupt.’” [WFXR (FOX), 2/28/25]
- February 2025: A USAID Employee Said She Was Among 16,000 USAID Workers Who The Trump Administration Fired And Given 15 Minutes To Clear Out Their Offices, And Said She Was “Heartbroken.” According to WFXR (FOX), “HOST 1: ‘Welcome back. A jump in jobless claims last week boosted the number of those seeking aid to its highest level since December. Now, last week, the Department of Labor saw more than 242,000 people filing for unemployment for the first time. That's up from 220,000 just a week earlier and higher than what economists had forecasted. It's not clear how layoffs in the US government are impacting the claims. Meantime, we're hearing from a Richmond-area park ranger who was laid off during recent cuts prompted by the Trump administration. Avery Lentz says he received an email from the US Department of Interior 14 days ago. The termination letter said he, quote, failed to demonstrate qualifications for continued employment and that his abilities do not meet the department's current needs. However, in his performance review, his scores say his performance exceeds expectations and he's, quote, fully successful.’ AVERY LENTZ: ‘Was not my performance that lost me my job. It is just powers that be and things that are out of my control. And I think that makes it even harder.’ HOST 1: ‘Lentz is one of three that were fired in his group of co-workers. He says one of the few bright spots following his dismissal is the support he's receiving from friends, family and former coworkers. It was an emotional day for some of the 16,000 USAID employees as they were given 15 minutes to pack up their offices and leave the building for the last time. This happened just yesterday, many taking the time to say goodbye to their coworkers. The Trump administration has fired 1,600 workers at the office and wants to cut $60 billion in aid worldwide.’ JULIANE ALFEN: ‘To be honest, I'm heartbroken and I thought I would be working here for the next 20 years, so I'm just trying to figure out what's next. But I'm really proud of the work that we do.’ TRUMP: ‘We have to—we're bloated, we're sloppy. We have a lot of people that aren't doing their job.’ HOST 1: ‘Federal agencies have until March 13th to submit plans for large-scale layoffs. Those, leader Elon Musk says, without large cuts to federal programs, the nation could go bankrupt.’” [WFXR (FOX), 2/28/25]
¶ Virginians Worry Cuts To Federal Workforce Could Make The U.S. Less Safe
March 2025: Experts Said The Trump Administration’s Firings Of Thousands Of Federal Workers Left The United States Vulnerable To Espionage As Foreign Adversaries Had A Massive Network Of Former Government Employees With Access To Sensitive Information They Could Recruit. According to WFXR (FOX), “HOST 1: ‘Meanwhile, espionage fears are rising as thousands of federal government workers are let go. The upheaval in Washington presenting unprecedented opportunities to recruit new informants of national security and intelligence experts. For US adversaries like Russia and China. Now, experts say every former federal worker with knowledge of or access to sensitive information could be a target.’ DAVID KLEPPER: ‘Virtually any federal employee has information about federal cybersecurity or computer access information that could help a foreign adversary or a criminal hacking group gain access to financial systems or personal data about millions of Americans. So it's not just espionage. It's not just military secrets that our adversaries are after. And it's not just those secrets that we need to be worried about protecting.’ HOST 1: ‘According to reporting by outplacement firm Challenger Gray & Christmas, the actions of DOGE are said to be responsible for the highest level of layoffs since July 2020.’” [WFXR (FOX), 3/25/25]
- Associated Press Reporter David Klepper: “Virtually Any Federal Employee Has Information About Federal Cybersecurity Or Computer Access Information That Could Help A Foreign Adversary Or A Criminal Hacking Group Gain Access To Financial Systems Or Personal Data About Millions Of Americans.” According to WFXR (FOX), “HOST 1: ‘Meanwhile, espionage fears are rising as thousands of federal government workers are let go. The upheaval in Washington presenting unprecedented opportunities to recruit new informants of national security and intelligence experts. For US adversaries like Russia and China. Now, experts say every former federal worker with knowledge of or access to sensitive information could be a target.’ DAVID KLEPPER: ‘Virtually any federal employee has information about federal cybersecurity or computer access information that could help a foreign adversary or a criminal hacking group gain access to financial systems or personal data about millions of Americans. So it's not just espionage. It's not just military secrets that our adversaries are after. And it's not just those secrets that we need to be worried about protecting.’ HOST 1: ‘According to reporting by outplacement firm Challenger Gray & Christmas, the actions of DOGE are said to be responsible for the highest level of layoffs since July 2020.’” [WFXR (FOX), 3/25/25]
¶ Virginia HBCUs See Funding Cuts From Trump's DOGE
February 2025: The Trump Administration Suspended A Federal Scholarship Program Meant To Help Students From Underserved Communities Study Agriculture Or Natural Sciences At HBCUs, Including Virginia State University, Amid An Administration-Wide Dismantling Of “Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion” Related Initiatives. According to WRIC-RIC (ABC), “HOST 1: ‘And this morning, we know a federal scholarship program meant for HBCU's is now being put on hold. A News reporter, Alexis Bell, and we live in studio this morning with more details about the USDA's 1890 National Scholars Program.’ HOST 2: ‘Autumn, the USDA's 1890 National Scholars Program is offered at 19 HBCU's, including Virginia State University and Chesterfield County. But as of last week, that program has been suspended. As of Friday, the 1890 National Scholars Program's web page on the USDA's website reads the program has been suspended pending further review. We know the program has been around since 1992, helping students from underserved communities pursue a degree in agriculture, natural resource sciences, or other related fields at an HBCU. The program, which was offered at VSU until being suspended, gave eligible students full tuition, room and board and other funds. It's unclear right now why the program was suspended. However, we do know the Trump administration has been taking steps to modify various diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Now, to find out what other universities have been impacted by this suspension, you can visit our website at WIC.com. Live in the studio this morning, Alexis Bellamy, Eight News.’” [WRIC-RIC (ABC), 2/24/25]
¶ Virginians Speak Out After Trump Layoffs
February 2025: Earle-Sears On Federal Workforce Firings: “Our Government Without Question Owes Us Answers To How The Money Is Being Spent. No Ifs, Ands, Or Buts.” According to WRIC-RIC (ABC), “HOST 1: ‘The latest now on the Trump administration's massive federal cuts. There was growing backlash against President Trump over his sweeping federal layoffs and Elon Musk's drive to cut government spending, leaving voters in red districts furious over the cuts. But polls show voters are concerned about Trump's handling of one of their top issues, inflation. The president responding on Friday.’ TRUMP: ‘I have today the highest poll numbers I've ever had. That's what I was just told. And they like the job that we're doing. They like the job that Elon is doing. He's doing something that a lot of people wouldn't have the courage to do.’ HOST 1: ‘And tonight, many federal workers are responding. 24-year-old Victoria Chege says she was let go from her position less than two months into the job. She's one of thousands of federal workers cut during their probationary period, which for some could last nearly two years.’ VICTORIA CHEGE: ‘The whole process of it has just been really chaotic and and really inhumane, honestly. I feel like people just think that we're just a number to some people. We're just the number of the federal workforce. But these are real people with real lives that are being impacted, real pockets being impacted. And some people don't really know where they're going to come from.’ HOST 1: ‘Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earl Sears also speaking on the federal cuts tonight. Take a listen.’ EARLE-SEARS: ‘Our government, without question, owes us answers as to how the money is being spent. Now, if, ands or buts, we work very hard for those dollars in order for the government to tax us. And so the government must be accountable to us and tell us how it is spending our hard-earned dollars.’ HOST 1: ‘Now, if you or someone you know has lost their federal job, you can go to this page on the Virginia governor's website. Here you'll find the resources on applying for unemployment benefits, preparing for a job search and health care coverage options. That is governor.virginia.gov.’” [WRIC-RIC (ABC), 2/22/25]
- February 2025: Fired Federal Worker Victoria Chege: “The Whole Process Of It Has Just Been Really Chaotic, And, And Really Inhumane Honestly. I Feel Like People Just Think That We’re Just A Number... Some People Don’t Know Where Their Next Check Is Gonna Come From.” According to WRIC-RIC (ABC), “HOST 1: ‘The latest now on the Trump administration's massive federal cuts. There was growing backlash against President Trump over his sweeping federal layoffs and Elon Musk's drive to cut government spending, leaving voters in red districts furious over the cuts. But polls show voters are concerned about Trump's handling of one of their top issues, inflation. The president responding on Friday.’ TRUMP: ‘I have today the highest poll numbers I've ever had. That's what I was just told. And they like the job that we're doing. They like the job that Elon is doing. He's doing something that a lot of people wouldn't have the courage to do.’ HOST 1: ‘And tonight, many federal workers are responding. 24-year-old Victoria Chege says she was let go from her position less than two months into the job. She's one of thousands of federal workers cut during their probationary period, which for some could last nearly two years.’ VICTORIA CHEGE: ‘The whole process of it has just been really chaotic and and really inhumane, honestly. I feel like people just think that we're just a number to some people. We're just the number of the federal workforce. But these are real people with real lives that are being impacted, real pockets being impacted. And some people don't really know where they're going to come from.’ HOST 1: ‘Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earl Sears also speaking on the federal cuts tonight. Take a listen.’ EARLE-SEARS: ‘Our government, without question, owes us answers as to how the money is being spent. Now, if, ands or buts, we work very hard for those dollars in order for the government to tax us. And so the government must be accountable to us and tell us how it is spending our hard-earned dollars.’ HOST 1: ‘Now, if you or someone you know has lost their federal job, you can go to this page on the Virginia governor's website. Here you'll find the resources on applying for unemployment benefits, preparing for a job search and health care coverage options. That is governor.virginia.gov.’” [WRIC-RIC (ABC), 2/22/25]
¶ Virginia National Park Employees Speak Out After Being Fired
February 2025: Richmond Park Ranger Avery Lentz Said He Was Fired In An Email That Said He “Failed To Demonstrate Qualifications For Continued Employment,” But That He Had Only Received Performance Reviews That Exceeded Expectations. According to WRIC-RIC (ABC), “HOST 1: ‘And happening now, President Donald Trump is continuing to slash federal jobs as a way to make the government more efficient.’ HOST 2: ‘Virginia, home to nearly 150,000 federal workers, and some now without a job. That’s including a now former park ranger. 8 News reporter Allison Williams has the latest.’ HOST 3: ‘Autumn and Delaney, good morning. Some of our viewers might recognize Avery Lentz. For Black History Month, I highlighted Lentz's work as a park ranger at the Richmond National Battlefield Park and Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site. But as of today, he's no longer a park ranger after being fired over email on February 14th. You can see in Lentz's termination letter from the U.S. Department of Interior. They say he, quote, failed to demonstrate qualifications for continued employment’ and that his abilities do not meet the department's current needs. But in his performance review, his scores say his performance exceeds expectations and he's, quote, fully successful. Lentz is one of three that were fired in his group of co-workers. All of them started their jobs in April of 2024. Since they'd been at the parks for under a year, they were in what's called a probationary position, making it easier to fire them.’ AVERY LENTZ: ‘It was not my performance that lost me my job. It is just powers that be and things that are out of my control. And I think that makes it even harder. It wasn't even like notice. There was no administrative leave. It was just, Thanks for coming. Goodbye.’ HOST 3: ‘Now, Lentz says he's getting support from friends and family and candidly told me he has enough money to pay rent in a few days and get groceries, but things will get even tighter in just the next few weeks.’ HOST 2: ‘Yeah, Allison, you've interviewed him a few times now. So where does he go from here?’ HOST 3: ‘Well, he's applying to jobs, but he actually texted me this morning that he and another one of the co-workers that got fired were denied unemployment. He says it's too expensive to move and understandably doesn't really want to after building a life here in Central Virginia. So he's taking this day by day.’ HOST 1: ‘This morning, federal union workers say the layoffs are an intimidation tactic.’ HOST 2: ‘Some workers say what President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are doing is unacceptable and hurting federal workers who need to provide for their families.’ UNION REP 1: ‘The fact that they're just mass firing anyone that they can get their hands on is really not serving the American people.’ UNION REP 2: ‘They don't want to just be bullied out of their jobs. They need those jobs to provide for their families.’ HOST 1: ‘Now, meanwhile, Musk says he only plans to fire non-essential workers or those who are not doing their job properly.’ HOST 2: ‘Virginia Senator Tim Kaine says the recent layoffs of the Department of Defense are concerning. So far, 5,400 employees have been let go. Kaine says, quote, ‘I'm furious about the way this administration is treating veterans in active duty, and I'm going to be as loud about this every day until they stop what they're doing. He says the cuts are particularly punishing veterans. HOST 1: ‘On Capitol Hill now, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer says he believes Doge's actions will backfire.’ CHUCK SCHUMER: ‘What DOGE and Donald Trump are doing is not efficiency. Instead, it's chaos. Americans did not sign up for chaos.’ HOST 1: ‘While Central Virginians are also chiming in on these layoffs, constituents from the Commonwealth's first congressional district gathered in Midlothian yesterday for Representative Rob Whitman's office hours. Many said they're concerned about the recent GOP budget resolution that he voted for and the firings. We spoke to one woman who was fired from the IRS last week.’ FIRED IRS WORKER: ‘The termination was not based on my performance nor conduct. My agency's leadership will attest to that.’ HOST 1: ‘And this morning, some D.C. businesses are offering discounts to federal workers who were laid off. One restaurant says people are being generous and buying others food and drinks. Some theaters also offering free tickets to shows for workers and their families.’ THEATER REPRESENTATIVE: ‘Going to theater is such a nice catharsis. It's just such a great way to be—you know, watching a story with other people, you know, feeling the feelings that you feel and just letting your mind go to other places.’ HOST 1: ‘Well, some former federal workers are now working at restaurants to try and make ends’ meet.’” [WRIC-RIC (ABC), 2/27/25]
- February 2025: Richmond Park Ranger Avery Lentz Said He Was Fired Without Administrative Leave, Was Denied Unemployment, And He Needed To Accept Support From His Friends And Family To Cover The Costs Of Groceries And Rent. According to WRIC-RIC (ABC), “HOST 1: ‘And happening now, President Donald Trump is continuing to slash federal jobs as a way to make the government more efficient.’ HOST 2: ‘Virginia, home to nearly 150,000 federal workers, and some now without a job. That’s including a now former park ranger. 8 News reporter Allison Williams has the latest.’ HOST 3: ‘Autumn and Delaney, good morning. Some of our viewers might recognize Avery Lentz. For Black History Month, I highlighted Lentz's work as a park ranger at the Richmond National Battlefield Park and Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site. But as of today, he's no longer a park ranger after being fired over email on February 14th. You can see in Lentz's termination letter from the U.S. Department of Interior. They say he, quote, failed to demonstrate qualifications for continued employment’ and that his abilities do not meet the department's current needs. But in his performance review, his scores say his performance exceeds expectations and he's, quote, fully successful. Lentz is one of three that were fired in his group of co-workers. All of them started their jobs in April of 2024. Since they'd been at the parks for under a year, they were in what's called a probationary position, making it easier to fire them.’ AVERY LENTZ: ‘It was not my performance that lost me my job. It is just powers that be and things that are out of my control. And I think that makes it even harder. It wasn't even like notice. There was no administrative leave. It was just, Thanks for coming. Goodbye.’ HOST 3: ‘Now, Lentz says he's getting support from friends and family and candidly told me he has enough money to pay rent in a few days and get groceries, but things will get even tighter in just the next few weeks.’ HOST 2: ‘Yeah, Allison, you've interviewed him a few times now. So where does he go from here?’ HOST 3: ‘Well, he's applying to jobs, but he actually texted me this morning that he and another one of the co-workers that got fired were denied unemployment. He says it's too expensive to move and understandably doesn't really want to after building a life here in Central Virginia. So he's taking this day by day.’ HOST 1: ‘This morning, federal union workers say the layoffs are an intimidation tactic.’ HOST 2: ‘Some workers say what President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are doing is unacceptable and hurting federal workers who need to provide for their families.’ UNION REP 1: ‘The fact that they're just mass firing anyone that they can get their hands on is really not serving the American people.’ UNION REP 2: ‘They don't want to just be bullied out of their jobs. They need those jobs to provide for their families.’ HOST 1: ‘Now, meanwhile, Musk says he only plans to fire non-essential workers or those who are not doing their job properly.’ HOST 2: ‘Virginia Senator Tim Kaine says the recent layoffs of the Department of Defense are concerning. So far, 5,400 employees have been let go. Kaine says, quote, ‘I'm furious about the way this administration is treating veterans in active duty, and I'm going to be as loud about this every day until they stop what they're doing. He says the cuts are particularly punishing veterans. HOST 1: ‘On Capitol Hill now, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer says he believes Doge's actions will backfire.’ CHUCK SCHUMER: ‘What DOGE and Donald Trump are doing is not efficiency. Instead, it's chaos. Americans did not sign up for chaos.’ HOST 1: ‘While Central Virginians are also chiming in on these layoffs, constituents from the Commonwealth's first congressional district gathered in Midlothian yesterday for Representative Rob Whitman's office hours. Many said they're concerned about the recent GOP budget resolution that he voted for and the firings. We spoke to one woman who was fired from the IRS last week.’ FIRED IRS WORKER: ‘The termination was not based on my performance nor conduct. My agency's leadership will attest to that.’ HOST 1: ‘And this morning, some D.C. businesses are offering discounts to federal workers who were laid off. One restaurant says people are being generous and buying others food and drinks. Some theaters also offering free tickets to shows for workers and their families.’ THEATER REPRESENTATIVE: ‘Going to theater is such a nice catharsis. It's just such a great way to be—you know, watching a story with other people, you know, feeling the feelings that you feel and just letting your mind go to other places.’ HOST 1: ‘Well, some former federal workers are now working at restaurants to try and make ends’ meet.’” [WRIC-RIC (ABC), 2/27/25]
- February 2025: Virginia Senator Tim Kaine Said 5,400 People Were Fired From The Department Of Defense And That The Trump Administrations Firings Were Disproportionately Punishing Veterans. According to WRIC-RIC (ABC), “HOST 1: ‘And happening now, President Donald Trump is continuing to slash federal jobs as a way to make the government more efficient.’ HOST 2: ‘Virginia, home to nearly 150,000 federal workers, and some now without a job. That’s including a now former park ranger. 8 News reporter Allison Williams has the latest.’ HOST 3: ‘Autumn and Delaney, good morning. Some of our viewers might recognize Avery Lentz. For Black History Month, I highlighted Lentz's work as a park ranger at the Richmond National Battlefield Park and Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site. But as of today, he's no longer a park ranger after being fired over email on February 14th. You can see in Lentz's termination letter from the U.S. Department of Interior. They say he, quote, failed to demonstrate qualifications for continued employment’ and that his abilities do not meet the department's current needs. But in his performance review, his scores say his performance exceeds expectations and he's, quote, fully successful. Lentz is one of three that were fired in his group of co-workers. All of them started their jobs in April of 2024. Since they'd been at the parks for under a year, they were in what's called a probationary position, making it easier to fire them.’ AVERY LENTZ: ‘It was not my performance that lost me my job. It is just powers that be and things that are out of my control. And I think that makes it even harder. It wasn't even like notice. There was no administrative leave. It was just, Thanks for coming. Goodbye.’ HOST 3: ‘Now, Lentz says he's getting support from friends and family and candidly told me he has enough money to pay rent in a few days and get groceries, but things will get even tighter in just the next few weeks.’ HOST 2: ‘Yeah, Allison, you've interviewed him a few times now. So where does he go from here?’ HOST 3: ‘Well, he's applying to jobs, but he actually texted me this morning that he and another one of the co-workers that got fired were denied unemployment. He says it's too expensive to move and understandably doesn't really want to after building a life here in Central Virginia. So he's taking this day by day.’ HOST 1: ‘This morning, federal union workers say the layoffs are an intimidation tactic.’ HOST 2: ‘Some workers say what President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are doing is unacceptable and hurting federal workers who need to provide for their families.’ UNION REP 1: ‘The fact that they're just mass firing anyone that they can get their hands on is really not serving the American people.’ UNION REP 2: ‘They don't want to just be bullied out of their jobs. They need those jobs to provide for their families.’ HOST 1: ‘Now, meanwhile, Musk says he only plans to fire non-essential workers or those who are not doing their job properly.’ HOST 2: ‘Virginia Senator Tim Kaine says the recent layoffs of the Department of Defense are concerning. So far, 5,400 employees have been let go. Kaine says, quote, ‘I'm furious about the way this administration is treating veterans in active duty, and I'm going to be as loud about this every day until they stop what they're doing. He says the cuts are particularly punishing veterans. HOST 1: ‘On Capitol Hill now, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer says he believes Doge's actions will backfire.’ CHUCK SCHUMER: ‘What DOGE and Donald Trump are doing is not efficiency. Instead, it's chaos. Americans did not sign up for chaos.’ HOST 1: ‘While Central Virginians are also chiming in on these layoffs, constituents from the Commonwealth's first congressional district gathered in Midlothian yesterday for Representative Rob Whitman's office hours. Many said they're concerned about the recent GOP budget resolution that he voted for and the firings. We spoke to one woman who was fired from the IRS last week.’ FIRED IRS WORKER: ‘The termination was not based on my performance nor conduct. My agency's leadership will attest to that.’ HOST 1: ‘And this morning, some D.C. businesses are offering discounts to federal workers who were laid off. One restaurant says people are being generous and buying others food and drinks. Some theaters also offering free tickets to shows for workers and their families.’ THEATER REPRESENTATIVE: ‘Going to theater is such a nice catharsis. It's just such a great way to be—you know, watching a story with other people, you know, feeling the feelings that you feel and just letting your mind go to other places.’ HOST 1: ‘Well, some former federal workers are now working at restaurants to try and make ends’ meet.’” [WRIC-RIC (ABC), 2/27/25]
- February 2025: Some Federal Workers Took Jobs At Restaurants To Make Ends Meet. According to WRIC-RIC (ABC), “HOST 1: ‘And happening now, President Donald Trump is continuing to slash federal jobs as a way to make the government more efficient.’ HOST 2: ‘Virginia, home to nearly 150,000 federal workers, and some now without a job. That’s including a now former park ranger. 8 News reporter Allison Williams has the latest.’ HOST 3: ‘Autumn and Delaney, good morning. Some of our viewers might recognize Avery Lentz. For Black History Month, I highlighted Lentz's work as a park ranger at the Richmond National Battlefield Park and Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site. But as of today, he's no longer a park ranger after being fired over email on February 14th. You can see in Lentz's termination letter from the U.S. Department of Interior. They say he, quote, failed to demonstrate qualifications for continued employment’ and that his abilities do not meet the department's current needs. But in his performance review, his scores say his performance exceeds expectations and he's, quote, fully successful. Lentz is one of three that were fired in his group of co-workers. All of them started their jobs in April of 2024. Since they'd been at the parks for under a year, they were in what's called a probationary position, making it easier to fire them.’ AVERY LENTZ: ‘It was not my performance that lost me my job. It is just powers that be and things that are out of my control. And I think that makes it even harder. It wasn't even like notice. There was no administrative leave. It was just, Thanks for coming. Goodbye.’ HOST 3: ‘Now, Lentz says he's getting support from friends and family and candidly told me he has enough money to pay rent in a few days and get groceries, but things will get even tighter in just the next few weeks.’ HOST 2: ‘Yeah, Allison, you've interviewed him a few times now. So where does he go from here?’ HOST 3: ‘Well, he's applying to jobs, but he actually texted me this morning that he and another one of the co-workers that got fired were denied unemployment. He says it's too expensive to move and understandably doesn't really want to after building a life here in Central Virginia. So he's taking this day by day.’ HOST 1: ‘This morning, federal union workers say the layoffs are an intimidation tactic.’ HOST 2: ‘Some workers say what President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are doing is unacceptable and hurting federal workers who need to provide for their families.’ UNION REP 1: ‘The fact that they're just mass firing anyone that they can get their hands on is really not serving the American people.’ UNION REP 2: ‘They don't want to just be bullied out of their jobs. They need those jobs to provide for their families.’ HOST 1: ‘Now, meanwhile, Musk says he only plans to fire non-essential workers or those who are not doing their job properly.’ HOST 2: ‘Virginia Senator Tim Kaine says the recent layoffs of the Department of Defense are concerning. So far, 5,400 employees have been let go. Kaine says, quote, ‘I'm furious about the way this administration is treating veterans in active duty, and I'm going to be as loud about this every day until they stop what they're doing. He says the cuts are particularly punishing veterans. HOST 1: ‘On Capitol Hill now, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer says he believes Doge's actions will backfire.’ CHUCK SCHUMER: ‘What DOGE and Donald Trump are doing is not efficiency. Instead, it's chaos. Americans did not sign up for chaos.’ HOST 1: ‘While Central Virginians are also chiming in on these layoffs, constituents from the Commonwealth's first congressional district gathered in Midlothian yesterday for Representative Rob Whitman's office hours. Many said they're concerned about the recent GOP budget resolution that he voted for and the firings. We spoke to one woman who was fired from the IRS last week.’ FIRED IRS WORKER: ‘The termination was not based on my performance nor conduct. My agency's leadership will attest to that.’ HOST 1: ‘And this morning, some D.C. businesses are offering discounts to federal workers who were laid off. One restaurant says people are being generous and buying others food and drinks. Some theaters also offering free tickets to shows for workers and their families.’ THEATER REPRESENTATIVE: ‘Going to theater is such a nice catharsis. It's just such a great way to be—you know, watching a story with other people, you know, feeling the feelings that you feel and just letting your mind go to other places.’ HOST 1: ‘Well, some former federal workers are now working at restaurants to try and make ends’ meet.’” [WRIC-RIC (ABC), 2/27/25]
¶ Virginia's James River Park System See Cuts Under Trump's DOGE
February 2025: A Group Working To Conserve The James River Park System Said The Trump Administration’s Cuts Threatened Their Efforts To Ensure Invasive Species Did Not Kill Local Trees And Wreck The Tree Canopy That Defined Their Local Ecosystem. According to WTVR-RIC (CBS), “HOST 1: ‘And as plans continue to reshape the federal government and how money is spent in DC. A local conservation group is worried about what it could mean for the future of the James River Park system. Our Melissa Hippolyte explains.’ HOST 2: ‘The friends of the James River Park system received tens of thousands of dollars in federal grant money to help them remove invasive plants like this one. That funding could be in jeopardy. In a place where most people go to escape it all. Strong winds of change are afloat. Blowing in from Washington.’ JOSH STUTZ: ‘A little disappointing’ HOST 2: ‘after President Donald Trump tasked his Department of Government efficiency with reducing federal spending. Local efforts to remove invasive plants harming the James River Park system may be impacted.’ JOSH STUTZ: ‘They compete with the native plants that live here, and they eventually, in the case of English ivy, work to choke off the tree canopy. So they kill the the local trees, the native trees that we love so much that make up our our natural forests around the river. And if we don't manage the invasive plant problem right now, we will we will firmly lose huge chunks of our tree canopy in about 15 or 20 years.’ HOST 2: ‘Josh Stutz, who heads up friends of the James River Park System, says his nonprofit has volunteers to clear the invasive plants. But the work is endless and a federal grant is allowing them to pay folks to help.’ JOSH STUTZ: ‘Because they're very technical, very they're really well trained and have skills that volunteers don't necessarily have. And we can guarantee their work on a weekly basis.’ HOST 2: ‘Two pieces of legislation passed by Congress under the Biden administration, the Inflation Reduction Act and the bipartisan infrastructure law allowed friends of the James River Park to apply for and receive about $350,000 in federal grant money. The money is being used to hire people to remove invasive plant species and work with a consultant to build a long term management plan for the park.’ JOSH STUTZ: ‘You know, you go into this with the best of intentions and with those the full faith and credit of the federal government, you believe that that's going to be backing this grant and you invest in people and projects and get things up and moving and you start to build a culture and build systems and to find out that it can so quickly be taken away.’ HOST 2: ‘Stutz says the way the grants work is the nonprofit will pay for the work out of its own pocket and then apply for reimbursement through the State Department of Forestry, which administers the grants. The state will then verify the work that was done and release the money back to friends of the James River Park.’ JOSH STUTZ: ‘Now we have these staff that as of Friday, we've been asked to cease all work related to those grants. And to that end, we were told as well that the reimbursements for the last quarter would be on hold until further notice as well.’ HOST 2: ‘He says his team will do everything they can to make it work, but he wants folks to know about the local impact of what's happening in D.C.’ JOSH STUTZ: ‘We're just trying to make a better James River Park system.’ HOST 2: ‘James Stutz told me the friends of the James River Park is committed to keeping its invasive plant removal staff to do that. They plan to do some fundraising. In Richmond. I'm Melissa Hippolyte for CBS six.’” [WTVR-RIC (CBS), 2/17/25]
¶ VA Layoffs Impact Virginians
February 2025: Veterans Affairs Employees Said They Feared Trump’s Firings Of 1,000 VA Staff Would Make Staffing Shortages In Their Hospitals Worse. According to WVBT-NFK (FOX), “HOST 1: ‘Coming up on 8:01, the Trump administration's goal of decreasing the number of federal government employees has begun.’ HOST 2: ‘And on Thursday, the administration began its mass layoffs, which are expected to affect thousands of workers, starting with probationary employees. And this is going to have a local impact right here in Hampton Roads. To tell your side, Keegan Hughes joins us live from the control room with details.’ HOST 3: ‘Lauren, Katie, probationary employees are recent hires who have joined within the last one or two years. Now, the VA says the move will save the department more than $98 million per year, which will allow more spending on resources for health care benefits and services for veterans. However, these layoffs could affect more than 9 million veterans who could see the impact of these changes due to the care and benefits the VA provides. An article from NBC News says many VA hospitals have experienced staffing shortages. In a report from the VA Inspector General, many of those employees fear the hiring freezes or the layoffs can make the shortage worse. Now, locally, it could affect more than 120,000 military veterans who live on the South Side and have access to a VA clinic in Chesapeake that was slated to open in April.’ SEN. TIM KAINE: ‘This is a tough situation because you have a president who doesn't value the federal workforce, but your work is valued. I value you, the people that you're helping every day. So my message to federal workers is keep doing what you're doing. Keep serving your fellow Americans wherever you work. And if you have a challenge or a problem, reach out, let me know, and we will try to clear out obstacles if we can.’ HOST 3: ‘Over 1,000 new workers were dismissed in these layoffs, according to a statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Keegan Hughes, telling your side.’” [WVBT-NFK (FOX), 2/14/25]
- WVBT-NFK (FOX): Trump’s Firings Of 1,000 Veterans Affairs Workers Could Impact The More Than 120,000 Veterans Expected To Make Use Of A Chesapeake VA Clinic Slated To Open In April, 2025. According to WVBT-NFK (FOX), “HOST 1: ‘Coming up on 8:01, the Trump administration's goal of decreasing the number of federal government employees has begun.’ HOST 2: ‘And on Thursday, the administration began its mass layoffs, which are expected to affect thousands of workers, starting with probationary employees. And this is going to have a local impact right here in Hampton Roads. To tell your side, Keegan Hughes joins us live from the control room with details.’ HOST 3: ‘Lauren, Katie, probationary employees are recent hires who have joined within the last one or two years. Now, the VA says the move will save the department more than $98 million per year, which will allow more spending on resources for health care benefits and services for veterans. However, these layoffs could affect more than 9 million veterans who could see the impact of these changes due to the care and benefits the VA provides. An article from NBC News says many VA hospitals have experienced staffing shortages. In a report from the VA Inspector General, many of those employees fear the hiring freezes or the layoffs can make the shortage worse. Now, locally, it could affect more than 120,000 military veterans who live on the South Side and have access to a VA clinic in Chesapeake that was slated to open in April.’ SEN. TIM KAINE: ‘This is a tough situation because you have a president who doesn't value the federal workforce, but your work is valued. I value you, the people that you're helping every day. So my message to federal workers is keep doing what you're doing. Keep serving your fellow Americans wherever you work. And if you have a challenge or a problem, reach out, let me know, and we will try to clear out obstacles if we can.’ HOST 3: ‘Over 1,000 new workers were dismissed in these layoffs, according to a statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Keegan Hughes, telling your side.’” [WVBT-NFK (FOX), 2/14/25]
¶ Mass Layoffs At VA Impact Veterans Health
February 2025: Army Veteran Rick Mulligan, Who Ran The Nonprofit Veterans Care In Hampton, Virginia, Said Trump Should Leave The VA Alone, While Economist Bob McNabb Said Trump’s Cuts Had No Targets, And That Employees Doing Critical Work In Infrastructure Were Being Fired And Ripple Effects Would Be Felt Only After It Was Too Late. According to WTKR News 3, “HOST 1: ‘Kelsey thanks, it's 5:05 and right now more than a thousand workers with the Department of Veterans Affairs are out of a job.’ HOST 2: ‘Something we've been talking about a lot. It's part of President Donald Trump's effort to cut costs. But now the move has some people wondering what impact it's going to have on veterans.’ HOST 3: ‘A lot of questions around this. News 3 reporter John Hood is introducing us to the leader of one nonprofit who is working to get answers.’ RICK MULLIGAN ‘Unless it's absolute waste, they should leave the VA alone.’ HOST 3: ‘Rick Mulligan is an Army veteran and runs the nonprofit Veterans Care Project out of Hampton. Since 2023, his organization has raised money for veterans and visited those at the VA Medical Center in Hampton, providing care packages and even Valentine's Day cards.’ RICK MULLIGAN ‘We do this because I don't want these people to feel like they've been forgotten about.’ HOST 3: ‘Right now, he's not concerned any job cuts to the VA will impact his mission, but he feels Veterans Affairs is a treasure that should be left untouched.’ RICK MULLIGAN: ‘You know, like any government agency needs to have some fat trimmed or whatever. But I would say to President Trump, try not to cut too deep.’ HOST 3: ‘According to the VA, the more than 1,000 jobs cut include non-bargaining probationary employees who had served for less than two years. The department says the move will save them $98 million, which could go into other VA programs, including health care. I reached out to the VA, but as of Friday evening, I did not hear back on whether any jobs are impacted in Hampton Roads. While a lot of people are concerned how this could impact the VA hospital, many other veterans are concerned how this could trickle down elsewhere.’ TANYA MARTINEZ: ‘It just feels like a big cloud looming. And then all of these people are losing their jobs, and they've been a help to me.’ HOST 3: ‘Tanya Martinez served in the Air Force and at one point found herself homeless. Through her veterans benefits, she was able to find an apartment and get a housing voucher—something that's changed her life.’ MARTINEZ: ‘I'd be on the street,’ HOST 3: ‘but Martinez tells me even if no one lost their job here in Hampton Roads, she's worried what could be cut next.’ MARTINEZ: ‘So if you're taking away the fat, fine. Take it away from the people that are making millions of dollars. I'm sorry, but what do you want us to do?’ HOST 3: ‘In Hampton, I'm John Hood. We take our News 3.’ HOST 1: ‘With more than 60,000 people in our area working for the federal government, the question turns to how it also could affect the economy.’ HOST 2: ‘Yeah, you just saw a screenshot from local economist Bob McNabb, who says the Defense Department—that's the main federal employer here in Hampton Roads. He says it's not clear if that department has been impacted yet by any layoffs or firings.’ HOST 1: ‘But he says if it does, it will have lasting impact on the economy. Listen.’ BOB McNABB: ‘These are cuts without targets. It is just, first, laying off any probationary employee that can be found, and that is going to have unintended consequences down the road because some of these employees are actually doing critical work in parks, infrastructure, and other activities. The ripple effects are going to be felt in the coming months, and by then it's going to be too late.’ HOST 2: ‘Right now, terminations are being reported at the Departments of Energy, Veterans Affairs—as you heard from John Hood—Education, as well as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Small Business Administration.’” [WTKR News 3, 2/17/25]
- Air Force Veteran Tanya Martinez Was Able To Escape Homelessness After She Got A Housing Voucher Through VA Benefits, And Said People Who Had Helped Her Were Being Fired. According to WTKR News 3, “HOST 1: ‘Kelsey thanks, it's 5:05 and right now more than a thousand workers with the Department of Veterans Affairs are out of a job.’ HOST 2: ‘Something we've been talking about a lot. It's part of President Donald Trump's effort to cut costs. But now the move has some people wondering what impact it's going to have on veterans.’ HOST 3: ‘A lot of questions around this. News 3 reporter John Hood is introducing us to the leader of one nonprofit who is working to get answers.’ RICK MULLIGAN ‘Unless it's absolute waste, they should leave the VA alone.’ HOST 3: ‘Rick Mulligan is an Army veteran and runs the nonprofit Veterans Care Project out of Hampton. Since 2023, his organization has raised money for veterans and visited those at the VA Medical Center in Hampton, providing care packages and even Valentine's Day cards.’ RICK MULLIGAN ‘We do this because I don't want these people to feel like they've been forgotten about.’ HOST 3: ‘Right now, he's not concerned any job cuts to the VA will impact his mission, but he feels Veterans Affairs is a treasure that should be left untouched.’ RICK MULLIGAN: ‘You know, like any government agency needs to have some fat trimmed or whatever. But I would say to President Trump, try not to cut too deep.’ HOST 3: ‘According to the VA, the more than 1,000 jobs cut include non-bargaining probationary employees who had served for less than two years. The department says the move will save them $98 million, which could go into other VA programs, including health care. I reached out to the VA, but as of Friday evening, I did not hear back on whether any jobs are impacted in Hampton Roads. While a lot of people are concerned how this could impact the VA hospital, many other veterans are concerned how this could trickle down elsewhere.’ TANYA MARTINEZ: ‘It just feels like a big cloud looming. And then all of these people are losing their jobs, and they've been a help to me.’ HOST 3: ‘Tanya Martinez served in the Air Force and at one point found herself homeless. Through her veterans benefits, she was able to find an apartment and get a housing voucher—something that's changed her life.’ MARTINEZ: ‘I'd be on the street,’ HOST 3: ‘but Martinez tells me even if no one lost their job here in Hampton Roads, she's worried what could be cut next.’ MARTINEZ: ‘So if you're taking away the fat, fine. Take it away from the people that are making millions of dollars. I'm sorry, but what do you want us to do?’ HOST 3: ‘In Hampton, I'm John Hood. We take our News 3.’ HOST 1: ‘With more than 60,000 people in our area working for the federal government, the question turns to how it also could affect the economy.’ HOST 2: ‘Yeah, you just saw a screenshot from local economist Bob McNabb, who says the Defense Department—that's the main federal employer here in Hampton Roads. He says it's not clear if that department has been impacted yet by any layoffs or firings.’ HOST 1: ‘But he says if it does, it will have lasting impact on the economy. Listen.’ BOB McNABB: ‘These are cuts without targets. It is just, first, laying off any probationary employee that can be found, and that is going to Have unintended consequences down the road because some of these employees are actually doing critical work in parks, infrastructure, and other activities. The ripple effects are going to be felt in the coming months, and by then it's going to be too late.’ HOST 2: ‘Right now, terminations are being reported at the Departments of Energy, Veterans Affairs—as you heard from John Hood—Education, as well as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Small Business Administration.’” [WTKR News 3, 2/17/25]
¶ Virginia's Postal Workers Protest Trump Attacks
March 2025: Virginia Postal Workers Joined A Nationwide Rally To Protest The Trump’s Administration’s Plans To Cut 10,000 Postal Jobs And Billions Of Dollars From Its Service Budget. According to WVIR (NBC) “HOST 1: ‘Postal workers in Virginia joined a nationwide rally against the privatization of the Postal Service yesterday. This was the scene outside one post office in Richmond. It comes as USPS plans to cut 10,000 jobs and billions of dollars from its service budget. Virginia already struggles with mail delivery, ranking third worst in the nation. The postmaster general says he will work with Elon Musk's DOE to implement these cuts.’ MARTIN OUTLAW: ‘They're taking the job away from the federal people. You know, the same thing here and this has been a staple in the United States forever, you know, and for them to try to take it away and prioritize it to somebody else—that's just not right.’ HOST 1: ‘Advocates warn major scale backups could be particularly awful for people in rural areas.’” [WVIR (NBC), 3/21/25]
Prior To Trump’s Planned Cuts, Virginia Had The Third Worst Mail Delivery In The U.S., And Further Cuts Were Expected To Particularly Harm People In Rural Areas. According to WVIR (NBC) “HOST 1: ‘Postal workers in Virginia joined a nationwide rally against the privatization of the Postal Service yesterday. This was the scene outside one post office in Richmond. It comes as USPS plans to cut 10,000 jobs and billions of dollars from its service budget. Virginia already struggles with mail delivery, ranking third worst in the nation. The postmaster general says he will work with Elon Musk's DOE to implement these cuts.’ MARTIN OUTLAW: ‘They're taking the job away from the federal people. You know, the same thing here and this has been a staple in the United States forever, you know, and for them to try to take it away and prioritize it to somebody else—that's just not right.’ HOST 1: ‘Advocates warn major scale backups could be particularly awful for people in rural areas.’” [WVIR (NBC), 3/21/25]
¶ Pregnant Veteran Fired From Position At Hampton VA
February 2025: A Pregnant Veteran Was Among 12 People Fired From The Hampton, Virginia VA, And She Said She Lost The Health Care She Received For Her Child As An Employee Of The VA. According to WTKR-NFK (CBS), “HOST 1: ‘As government agencies continue their cuts, one of those departments impacted was Veterans Affairs. They announced around 1,400 or so employees were let go nationwide. So we reached out to the Hampton VA. They told us that there were cuts, but they didn't say how many. The local union representing them tells us, though, that it was 12. We spoke with one woman who says that she was one of those people, that she's been working as a secretary at the Hampton VA for about ten months and says she got the email on Monday saying that her position was terminated. She says that she is a veteran herself and also pregnant.’ LaSHAVIA PRATHER: ‘It's stressful because although I am a veteran and I do receive certain benefits for my child, having that extra health insurance as a backup, I no longer have that. So now I have to go see what are my options.’ HOST 1: ‘In a statement to News 3, the acting director of the Hampton VA said of the cuts that this decision will have no negative effect on veteran health care benefits or other services and will allow the VA to focus more effectively on its core mission of serving veterans, families, caregivers and survivors. Now, we also know that there have been instructions given to federal agencies to submit that information—what they did last week to Elon Musk and the DOE's team.’ HOST 2: ‘Also, the president ordering all federal cabinet positions to have a plan to cut costs by the middle of March. A lot of movement in Washington we're watching this morning at 5:38.’” [WTKR-NFK (CBS), 2/27/25]
¶ Laid Off Virginia Veteran Speaks Out About Hardship
March 2025: Veteran Morgan Hyde Said She Had To Visit Food Banks To Survive After The Trump Administration Fired Her From Her Job At The VA, Adding “Our Jobs Are Being Terminated Without Cause.” According to WVEC-NFK (ABC), “HOST 1: ‘Since President Donald Trump took office, more than 200,000 federal workers have lost their jobs.’ HOST 2: ‘It's part of the president's plan to shrink the size of the federal government through the Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk. And those job cuts are hitting here in Hampton Roads. Now, Jeremiah Beatty joins us live. And Jeremiah to Virginia veterans are being forced to find new jobs now.’ HOST 3: ‘That's right, Marta. Those women are among employees waking up in shock and disbelief. Many of these workers show up every day to care for our nation's veterans and are learning they no longer have a job. Now, the memo obtained by AP News instructs employers to prepare for a major agency reorganization in August. The result could lead to more than 80,000 layoffs. The memo says the workforce will be resized and tailored to a revised mission. Now, Virginia Congresswoman Jen Kiggans is speaking up for veterans. She says this isn't just about jobs, it's about losing a skilled workforce that veterans depend on. Morgan Hyde, a veteran herself, learned she was laid off Monday. Hyde was supposed to celebrate her nine month work anniversary at the Defense Logistics Agency. Instead, the Army veteran says she received an email with a notice of termination. Hyde says it comes at a time when there's a lot weighing on her mind.’ MORGAN HYDE: ‘Student loans, single home income and, you know, visiting food pantries in this economy just to survive. Our jobs are being terminated without cause.’ HOST 3: ‘Now, VA Secretary Doug Collins insists this won't affect veterans health care or benefits. Instead, he says, the Trump administration is giving veterans what they want.’” [WVEC-NFK (ABC), 3/6/25]
¶ Donald Trump Ignores Calls From Virginians For Lower Costs
March 2025: Suzanne Richmond, A Virginia Beach Resident With Several Ties To The Military, Said Of Trump’s Cuts: “To Mess With Someone’s Livelihood And Take Their Job Away, Without Any Notice, Without Good Cause, I Think That’s Incredibly Dangerous And I Think That’s Immoral.” According to WVEC-NFK (ABC), “HOST 1: ‘Tonight, elected Democratic leaders from across Hampton Roads hosted a town hall in Virginia Beach, answering your questions about how recent federal cuts by the Trump administration could impact us locally. Brianna Fallon was there and has the details.’ HOST 2: ‘Tonight, Hampton Roads citizens have the opportunity to ask Virginia politicians questions when it comes to how recent federal actions could affect Hampton Roads.’ SUZANNE RICHMOND ‘People are upset. I, I think people are in a state of disbelief as to what's happening with our federal government.’ HOST 2: ‘Suzanne Richmond is a longtime resident of Virginia Beach with several ties to the military. Following recent federal actions put in place by the Trump administration, she says her biggest concern is federal job cuts affecting thousands of workers, including those in the VA.’ SUZANNE RICHMOND: ‘To mess with someone's livelihood and take their job away without any notice, without good cause, I think that's incredibly dangerous and I think it's immoral.’ HOST 2: ‘Richmond is not the only Hampton Roads citizen with concerns. Hundreds gathered tonight to hear from Virginia politicians and ask questions about how recent federal actions could affect Hampton Roads.’ […] HOST 2: ‘The conversation addressed how recent changes at the federal level could affect the economy, veterans services, health care and education. That includes layoffs involving federal workers, ongoing challenges of higher grocery bills, and the potential impact of tariffs on everyday goods.’ […] ‘While local and state politicians look for potential solutions to these ongoing issues, they encourage the community to work together and voice their concerns when it comes to these major changes across the nation.’ HOST 1: ‘Several community members told us they hope to see another town hall soon. But with Republican Representatives Dan Higgins and Rob Wittman also sitting at the table. Both of them hosted mobile office hours every month. The next one for Higgins is in Northampton County on Tuesday, April 22nd, from ten until two. Location for that has not been announced yet. The next one for Wittman is this Wednesday in Warsaw from ten until noon.’’’ [WVEC-NFK (ABC), 3/17/25]
¶ Hampton VA Medical Center Confirmed Layoffs As The Trump Administration Makes Cuts
February 2025: The Hampton, Virginia VA Medical Center Confirmed The Trump Administration Fired 12 Probationary Staff, And That Most Of The Fired Workers Were Veterans. According to WVBT-NFK (FOX), “The Hampton VA Medical Center confirms layoffs as the Trump administration makes cuts. Walt Dannenberg, the acting executive director, said the dismissals were limited and involve staff who were still considered probationary. The AFGE Local 2328 union represents employees at the Hampton VA. The union said in a social media statement 12 employees lost their jobs. The statement also said most of them are veterans. This comes after the VA announced more than 1,400 employees were let go nationwide earlier this week.” [WVBT-NFK (FOX), 2/27/25]
¶ Virginia Students And Educators Face Cuts Under Trump
March 2025: A Virginia Commonwealth University Student Who Received A Cultural Exchange Scholarship Criticized Trump’s Funding Cuts And Said They Were Creating A Situation Where Only The Wealthy Would Have Access To Such Educational Experiences. According to WRIC-RIC (ABC), “HOST 1: ‘President Trump's federal funding freeze is now impacting higher education jobs outside of the federal government. This time, a nonprofit organization announcing some of its employees that handle student scholarships will be furloughed. Eight News reporter Jamal Williams joining us live in Richmond. And Jamal, how does this impact student employees in situations like this?’ HOST 2: ‘Well, Eric, I reported last week that some college students could be in danger of losing their scholarship programs like Fulbright, Humphrey and Gilman. Now reporting now that some of the employees of those education and cultural welfare programs will be losing their jobs. Well, some of them will be losing their jobs until further notice. Now, on Friday, the announcement came from the Institute of International Education, or IIE, which oversees those programs. It stated numerous factors, such as delays in payment processing, have limited the institute's ability to retain full staffing levels. The nonprofit says it remains hopeful that this will be a temporary change. However, VCU student and former Gilman scholarship recipient Nonso Akunwafor says the money helped him study abroad in Granada, Spain last year. And he says downsizing a program aimed at serving students in need sends a bad message.’ NONSO AKUNWAFOR: ‘If you're rich, if you're wealthy, if you come from a background where you can take breaks and study and study abroad or go abroad, then you are the one who deserves the right to that experience. When you got here, I think that traveling, nobility, learning more about other cultures should be an opportunity as afforded to all students, not just people who have the means to do that.’ HOST 2: ‘IIE said it's working with partners and grantees to try to navigate these circumstances. However, I tried to reach out to them about specifics on what these furloughs mean, but haven't heard back yet. Live in Richmond, Jamal Williams, 8 News. Thanks.’” [WRIC-RIC (ABC), 3/17/25]
March 2025: Trump’s Federal Funding Cuts Impacted Jobs In Higher Education Outside The Government, Including In A Nonprofit That Helped Students Obtain Scholarships. According to WRIC-RIC (ABC), “HOST 1: ‘President Trump's federal funding freeze is now impacting higher education jobs outside of the federal government. This time, a nonprofit organization announcing some of its employees that handle student scholarships will be furloughed. Eight News reporter Jamal Williams joining us live in Richmond. And Jamal, how does this impact student employees in situations like this?’ HOST 2: ‘Well, Eric, I reported last week that some college students could be in danger of losing their scholarship programs like Fulbright, Humphrey and Gilman. Now reporting now that some of the employees of those education and cultural welfare programs will be losing their jobs. Well, some of them will be losing their jobs until further notice. Now, on Friday, the announcement came from the Institute of International Education, or IIE, which oversees those programs. It stated numerous factors, such as delays in payment processing, have limited the institute's ability to retain full staffing levels. The nonprofit says it remains hopeful that this will be a temporary change. However, VCU student and former Gilman scholarship recipient Nonso Akunwafor says the money helped him study abroad in Granada, Spain last year. And he says downsizing a program aimed at serving students in need sends a bad message.’ NONSO AKUNWAFOR: ‘If you're rich, if you're wealthy, if you come from a background where you can take breaks and study and study abroad or go abroad, then you are the one who deserves the right to that experience. When you got here, I think that traveling, nobility, learning more about other cultures should be an opportunity as afforded to all students, not just people who have the means to do that.’ HOST 2: ‘IIE said it's working with partners and grantees to try to navigate these circumstances. However, I tried to reach out to them about specifics on what these furloughs mean, but haven't heard back yet. Live in Richmond, Jamal Williams, 8 News. Thanks.’” [WRIC-RIC (ABC), 3/17/25]
¶ Virginia Workers Speak Out After Being Fired From "Dream Job"
February 2025: A Former IRS Worker Who The Trump Administration Fired Said Through Tears: “I Was So Excited To Learn The Job. I Was Telling My Management I Was Going To Be Best. They Can Count On Me… I Thought That Corporate America Was Like This, Not The Government. I Thought The Government Takes Care Of Their People.” According to WVEC-NFK (ABC), “HOST 1: ‘Tonight, a former IRS worker is speaking out after being laid off in the Trump administration's mass firings. Jason Charles was a tax-exempt officer dealing with nonprofits at the IRS. More than 6,000 people have been laid off from the IRS in the last few weeks. Majority of those workers were probationary and employed there for less than a year.’ JASON CHARLES: ‘I was so excited to learn the job. I was telling my management I was going to be the best, they can count on me. It's not like I have— I have no say-so. Like, they just passed me away. I thought corporate America was like this, not the government. I thought the government takes care of the people.’ HOST 1: ‘Charles says he thinks the layoffs will have a ripple effect and could impact this tax season.’” [WVEC-NFK (ABC), 2/25/25]
- February 2025: A Former IRS Worker Who The Trump Administration Fired Said He Expected The Firings To Impact Tax Season. According to WVEC-NFK (ABC), “HOST 1: ‘Tonight, a former IRS worker is speaking out after being laid off in the Trump administration's mass firings. Jason Charles was a tax-exempt officer dealing with nonprofits at the IRS. More than 6,000 people have been laid off from the IRS in the last few weeks. Majority of those workers were probationary and employed there for less than a year.’ JASON CHARLES: ‘I was so excited to learn the job. I was telling my management I was going to be the best, they can count on me. It's not like I have— I have no say-so. Like, they just passed me away. I thought corporate America was like this, not the government. I thought the government takes care of the people.’ HOST 1: ‘Charles says he thinks the layoffs will have a ripple effect and could impact this tax season.’” [WVEC-NFK (ABC), 2/25/25]
¶ Trump Cuts To Department Of Education Hurts Virginia Schools
March 2025: Virginia K-12 Schools Got Nearly 11% Of Funding From The Federal Government And Were Expected To Feel The Impact Of Trump’s Cuts To Education Funds. According to WRIC-RIC (ABC), “HOST 1: ‘Welcome back. The National Center of Education Statistics is being impacted by the job cuts at the Department of Education.’ HOST 2: ‘The agency collects and analyzes education data from across the country. But now 130 of its employees have been fired. And that workload could be too much for who's left. The agency usually issues the Nation's Report Card every year, which gives people an inside look at how the country's 18,000 schools are performing. The agency did not expect to be hit by the president's job cuts.’ HOST 1: ‘Virginia could be impacted by the cuts at the DOE, though.’ HOST 2: ‘Our Capitol Bureau reporter Tyler Englander has been digging into the numbers. So here's what he found.’ HOST 1: ‘Virginia K through 12 schools get nearly 11% of funding from the federal government. More than 98,800 students in Virginia use the Pell Grant, which is offered by the department to help students pay for schooling. Every year, Virginia students get about $465 billion from those grants. With more cuts coming, those numbers could change drastically.’ HOST 1: ‘And this morning, educators are reacting to those mass layoffs. Daniel Hamburg has more.’ HOST 3: ‘The concern is the kids who need the most assistance won't get it. Now, when we're talking about overall school funding, the federal contribution only accounts for a small fraction of it. But for those low-income and special education students, it's vital. Massive cuts at the U.S. Department of Education are being felt by educators.’ DAVID WALROD: ‘My initial reaction is just being appalled.’ HOST 3: ‘David Walrod, the president of the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers, says one of the key functions of DOE is oversight, making sure civil rights laws are followed.’ DAVID WALROD: ‘Fairfax County Public Schools during the pandemic was not providing the service that they needed to our students with disabilities. And the Federal Department of Education were the ones that stepped in and made sure that those families got what they needed.’ HOST 3: ‘The DOE Civil Rights branch is losing nearly half its staff. Although officials insisted the cuts will not affect civil rights investigations, they describe the reductions as strategic decisions.’ DAVID WALROD: ‘Right now, Secretary McMahon is trying to say that no functions are going to be dropped. It's going to be business as usual. But how in the world can business as usual maintain when you cut half of the folks that are doing the work?’ HOST 3: ‘On a statewide level, Senator Stella Pekarsky says Virginia has invested record amounts in K through 12 and higher education. $2.6 billion of federal funding represents about 11% of the budget.’ SEN. STELLA PEKARSKY: ‘The state cannot take over what the federal government has in, you know, in place. This is going to have a massive impact on our ability to provide the best education to students at the end of the day.’” [WRIC-RIC (ABC), 3/13/25]
- March 2025: More Than 98,000 Virginia Students Used Pell Grants To Help Afford The Cost Of Education, A Program Threatened Under Trump’s Cuts To The Department Of Education. According to WRIC-RIC (ABC), “HOST 1: ‘Welcome back. The National Center of Education Statistics is being impacted by the job cuts at the Department of Education.’ HOST 2: ‘The agency collects and analyzes education data from across the country. But now 130 of its employees have been fired. And that workload could be too much for who's left. The agency usually issues the Nation's Report Card every year, which gives people an inside look at how the country's 18,000 schools are performing. The agency did not expect to be hit by the president's job cuts.’ HOST 1: ‘Virginia could be impacted by the cuts at the DOE, though.’ HOST 2: ‘Our Capitol Bureau reporter Tyler Englander has been digging into the numbers. So here's what he found.’ HOST 1: ‘Virginia K through 12 schools get nearly 11% of funding from the federal government. More than 98,800 students in Virginia use the Pell Grant, which is offered by the department to help students pay for schooling. Every year, Virginia students get about $465 billion from those grants. With more cuts coming, those numbers could change drastically.’ HOST 1: ‘And this morning, educators are reacting to those mass layoffs. Daniel Hamburg has more.’ HOST 3: ‘The concern is the kids who need the most assistance won't get it. Now, when we're talking about overall school funding, the federal contribution only accounts for a small fraction of it. But for those low-income and special education students, it's vital. Massive cuts at the U.S. Department of Education are being felt by educators.’ DAVID WALROD: ‘My initial reaction is just being appalled.’ HOST 3: ‘David Walrod, the president of the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers, says one of the key functions of DOE is oversight, making sure civil rights laws are followed.’ DAVID WALROD: ‘Fairfax County Public Schools during the pandemic was not providing the service that they needed to our students with disabilities. And the Federal Department of Education were the ones that stepped in and made sure that those families got what they needed.’ HOST 3: ‘The DOE Civil Rights branch is losing nearly half its staff. Although officials insisted the cuts will not affect civil rights investigations, they describe the reductions as strategic decisions.’ DAVID WALROD: ‘Right now, Secretary McMahon is trying to say that no functions are going to be dropped. It's going to be business as usual. But how in the world can business as usual maintain when you cut half of the folks that are doing the work?’ HOST 3: ‘On a statewide level, Senator Stella Pekarsky says Virginia has invested record amounts in K through 12 and higher education. $2.6 billion of federal funding represents about 11% of the budget.’ SEN. STELLA PEKARSKY: ‘The state cannot take over what the federal government has in, you know, in place. This is going to have a massive impact on our ability to provide the best education to students at the end of the day.’” [WRIC-RIC (ABC), 3/13/25]
- March 2025: Senator Stella Pekarsky Said Virginia Spent $2.6 Billion In Federal Dollars To Cover The Cost Of K-12 Education, And Said Virginia Could Not Afford To Replace That Funding And That It Would Have A “Massive Impact” On Virginia’s Ability To Provide “The Best Education To Students.” According to WRIC-RIC (ABC), “HOST 1: ‘Welcome back. The National Center of Education Statistics is being impacted by the job cuts at the Department of Education.’ HOST 2: ‘The agency collects and analyzes education data from across the country. But now 130 of its employees have been fired. And that workload could be too much for who's left. The agency usually issues the Nation's Report Card every year, which gives people an inside look at how the country's 18,000 schools are performing. The agency did not expect to be hit by the president's job cuts.’ HOST 1: ‘Virginia could be impacted by the cuts at the DOE, though.’ HOST 2: ‘Our Capitol Bureau reporter Tyler Englander has been digging into the numbers. So here's what he found.’ HOST 1: ‘Virginia K through 12 schools get nearly 11% of funding from the federal government. More than 98,800 students in Virginia use the Pell Grant, which is offered by the department to help students pay for schooling. Every year, Virginia students get about $465 billion from those grants. With more cuts coming, those numbers could change drastically.’ HOST 1: ‘And this morning, educators are reacting to those mass layoffs. Daniel Hamburg has more.’ HOST 3: ‘The concern is the kids who need the most assistance won't get it. Now, when we're talking about overall school funding, the federal contribution only accounts for a small fraction of it. But for those low-income and special education students, it's vital. Massive cuts at the U.S. Department of Education are being felt by educators.’ DAVID WALROD: ‘My initial reaction is just being appalled.’ HOST 3: ‘David Walrod, the president of the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers, says one of the key functions of DOE is oversight, making sure civil rights laws are followed.’ DAVID WALROD: ‘Fairfax County Public Schools during the pandemic was not providing the service that they needed to our students with disabilities. And the Federal Department of Education were the ones that stepped in and made sure that those families got what they needed.’ HOST 3: ‘The DOE Civil Rights branch is losing nearly half its staff. Although officials insisted the cuts will not affect civil rights investigations, they describe the reductions as strategic decisions.’ DAVID WALROD: ‘Right now, Secretary McMahon is trying to say that no functions are going to be dropped. It's going to be business as usual. But how in the world can business as usual maintain when you cut half of the folks that are doing the work?’ HOST 3: ‘On a statewide level, Senator Stella Pekarsky says Virginia has invested record amounts in K through 12 and higher education. $2.6 billion of federal funding represents about 11% of the budget.’ SEN. STELLA PEKARSKY: ‘The state cannot take over what the federal government has in, you know, in place. This is going to have a massive impact on our ability to provide the best education to students at the end of the day.’” [WRIC-RIC (ABC), 3/13/25]