Federal Employees Shun Fourth of July Amid Trump Overhaul

The 250th-anniversary Fourth of July is being marked by a growing number of federal employees who are choosing not to attend celebrations, citing exhaustion and anger after President Donald Trump’s extensive federal-workforce restructuring.

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During 2025, the Trump administration’s second-term agenda cut the federal workforce by more than 278,000, shuttered or downsized agencies such as FEMA and TSA, and framed Independence Day events as a means to “renew national pride.” The administration also faced a record-long partial shutdown that left TSA staff unpaid for weeks, intensifying financial strain.

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Veteran Edward, a 30-year Army retiree stationed at a New York base, says he no longer feels pride in the present. Jonas, a FEMA analyst who served during Hurricane Harvey, was laid off for eight years before rehiring. A Social Security employee in South Texas now handles increased call-center duties after staff cuts. A TSA supervisor at a Florida airport endured weeks without pay during a prolonged shutdown, while a Texas TSA officer continues daily security duties despite recent frustrations.

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Government data show more than two million federal workers nationwide, with 85 % living outside the Washington, D.C., beltway; Florida, Texas and California each host over 100,000 employees.

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Low morale among federal staff threatens effective public-service delivery and may erode confidence in government institutions, highlighting concerns about a nonpartisan civil service under politicized leadership. The disconnect between national celebrations and employee sentiment may weaken shared civic identity.

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Commissioner Frank Bisignano sent pretzel baskets to staff, while the administration promotes the celebrations as a unifying patriotic event. Bisignano’s pretzel baskets, sourced from a company owned by his daughter, were presented as gratitude but were viewed by many staff as insufficient.

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Employees contend the festivities mask ongoing hardships, citing inadequate pay, heavier workloads and weakened union and diversity protections. Workers note that events such as the Great American State Fair and UFC fights at the White House feel hollow amid cuts to benefits and staffing.

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• “It’s a disappointment, and just a sadness – a really big one – because all the happiness and all the good times in this job feel like they’re over.” — Jonas, FEMA program analyst

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• “My whole life until recently I was very proud of our country. Every federal worker, from the janitor on up the chain, swore an oath to defend and protect the Constitution,” — Edward, veteran

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• “It’s like a slap in the face,” — TSA supervisor, Florida airport

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• “We’re exhausted, you know, from being jerked around.” — Edward, veteran

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The tall-ship parades in New York City and the Great American State Fair on the National Mall will proceed, but many federal workers plan private observances.

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