Trump’s potential return sparks fear among federal employees

Environmental and energy agency workers are anxious over the possibility of a Trump presidency, fearing job loss and program cuts as they rush to finalize Biden’s priorities.

Robin Bravender reports for E&E News.

In short:

• Many federal employees, especially in environmental agencies like the EPA, fear being targeted or fired if Trump returns to office.
• Workers are finalizing Biden’s environmental policies while bracing for potential program cuts and job losses under a new Trump administration.
• Some employees are taking financial precautions, delaying large purchases and reading conservative plans like Project 2025 to prepare for changes.

Key quote:

“We have stopped doing any money-spending things because what if we’re without jobs in the next year? We need all the savings we can get.”

— Anonymous Interior employee

Why this matters:

A second Trump administration could dismantle environmental protections and reshape the federal workforce, risking the progress made on climate action and clean energy. Many civil servants feel uncertain about their future and the fate of ongoing environmental initiatives.

Read more:

• EPA alumni prepare to oppose Trump's possible return
• Trump aims to reduce environmental oversight and mocks climate concerns
• Trump's election could pose a threat to global climate objectives