As a career diplomat, I’ve seen it time and again – colleagues leaving the State Department, their faces etched with tears, carrying cardboard boxes with family photos and mementos of proud careers in public service. It’s heartbreaking to see those who have dedicated years to defusing crises, tending alliances, and helping Americans in distress reduced to this state.
In recent months, many other public servants have been let go – intelligence officers, military officers, development specialists, and others who have served both at home and abroad. These individuals, often behind the scenes, were crucial to our nation’s success yet remain underappreciated and misunderstood by the American public.
The reduction in force is not just a numbers game; it’s a war on expertise and public service. By firing or pushing out these dedicated professionals, we’re sacrificing invaluable knowledge and experience that could have helped us navigate complex global issues. It’s time for America to recognize the value of its public servants and treat them with the respect they deserve.
Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/10/trump-retribution-public-servants/683914