Factually! with Adam Conover Trump and Elon Don't Know Who They're Firing - with Max Stier
26 snips
Mar 12, 2025 
Max Stier, CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, dives into the alarming wave of federal layoffs initiated by figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump. He highlights how these job cuts threaten the foundations of democracy and civil service. Stier emphasizes the dedication of federal employees and the risks of politicizing their roles. He discusses the importance of nonpartisan governance and urges for a stronger public engagement to preserve accountability and foster trust in government, stressing that what affects these workers ultimately impacts all Americans.
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Government Arson
- The current administration is deliberately destroying the federal government, a crucial public asset.
- This act is akin to arson and will have severe long-term consequences for the country.
Spoils System Redux
- The current administration's actions mirror the 19th-century spoils system, prioritizing loyalty over competence.
- This approach previously led to corruption and Garfield's assassination, highlighting the dangers of patronage.
Who are Civil Servants?
- A third of civil servants are veterans, demonstrating continued public service.
- They perform essential roles, from airport security to food inspection, safeguarding public well-being.