The MeidasTouch Podcast AFGE Leader Sheria Smith on Fighting Back Against Trump
Jul 29, 2025
Sheria Smith, President of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 252, champions the rights of 3,000 Department of Education workers. She discusses the alarming trend of unjust terminations under Trump, which jeopardizes public service and damages job security. Smith emphasizes the vital role federal employees play in advocating for educational opportunities, particularly for low-income students. She shares insights on the ongoing battles against these oppressive policies and the need to restore dignity in public employment.
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Impact of Trump's Government Firings
- Donald Trump is firing experienced government workers and replacing them with controversial figures, harming critical functions like diplomacy and education.
- This results in weakening America's soft power and undermines public service institutions.
Education Attacks Harm Working People
- Attacks on public employees coincide with weaponizing the Department of Education to hurt vulnerable communities.
- Cutbacks in essential education services threaten working people's ability to improve their lives through learning.
Public Servants Facing Job Cuts
- Department of Education employees are wrongly vilified and worried over losing health insurance amid job cuts.
- Many are qualified, passionate public servants facing indignities and threats to their livelihoods.