POLITICO Energy Why federal workers say Trump’s actions are disrupting critical functions
Jun 17, 2025
Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO, sheds light on the significant disruption within energy-related agencies due to Trump administration policies. Federal workers share their struggles with budget cuts and staffing losses, which hinder disaster response and scientific research. Colman reveals how internal conflicts exacerbate these challenges and emphasizes the paralysis affecting agencies like NOAA and EPA. The discussion also touches on the concerns federal employees have regarding funding freezes and the efficiency of government operations.
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Mass Departures at Energy Agencies
- Thousands of employees left key energy-related federal agencies under Trump through resignations, firings, and buyouts.
- These departures include 1,300 from EPA and 3,500 from the Energy Department, severely thinning the workforce.
Operational Failures Across Agencies
- Federal workers report critical failures like FEMA's inability to conduct disaster response drills due to staff cuts.
- EPA research and scientific projects are delayed by spending freezes, slowing essential government functions.
Spending Restrictions Impact Work
- The Trump administration denies spending freezes but imposes de facto limits that hinder routine government work.
- Officials attribute these issues to necessary austerity and legal challenges blocking planned reorganizations.