Factually! with Adam Conover Trump and Elon Don't Know Who They're Firing - with Max Stier
48 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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
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.
Cost of Firings
- Arbitrary firings of federal employees are not cost-saving measures.
- They create further debt due to wasted resources and potential legal liabilities.