Fresh Air The Ripple Effect Of Musk's Government Purge
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Feb 26, 2025 
Elizabeth Linos, a Harvard public policy expert, discusses the significant job cuts and contract cancellations in the federal government, warning of lasting harms. Maureen Corrigan, a literature professor, reviews Judith Giesberg's 'Last Seen', which reflects on the emotional toll of family separations experienced by formerly enslaved individuals. They dive into the historical context of government reforms and the vital need for public trust, illuminating how past injustices resonate today.
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Federal Workforce Size
- The perception of a bloated federal payroll persists.
- However, the workforce size has remained relatively constant since the 1960s, despite population and government responsibility growth.
Civil Service System
- The Civil Service system, established in 1883, prioritizes merit-based hiring.
- This system aims to prevent the 'spoils system,' where government jobs were awarded based on political loyalty.
Trump Administration's View on Civil Service
- The Trump administration displays disdain for career civil servants.
- Their rhetoric seeks to discredit public servants and revert to a system of loyalty to the president.
