Press Releases

Today, Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s executive order calling for the widespread, indiscriminate, and likely illegal mass firing of government workers as Trump and Elon Musk continue to raid taxpayer-funded government programs and services:

“This is a dark day for the United States Government.  The mass indiscriminate firing of hundreds of thousands of dedicated, nonpartisan civil servants by a wannabe Dictator and his unelected pet billionaire will have an immediate and devastating impact on the integrity and capability of our federal workforce. Worse yet, it is the American people who will suffer as vital aid is delayed, calls to Social Security offices go unanswered, and communities are deprived of critical resources and services.  The loss of these services will affect health care, childcare, veterans benefits, social security benefits, Meals on Wheels, Head Start, our national parks, cancer research, student loans, farm payments, and a myriad of others services in red and blue communities alike. America won’t look like America if this wrecking ball wields it reckless destruction.

“Trump, Musk, and their Project 2025 cronies want you to feel defeated, powerless, and confused so they can use the chaos they’ve created to distort our democracy to do their bidding.  But together, we will hold the line.  This unprecedented assault on the federal workforce and the services they provide to the American people will not go unanswered.

“We are going to fight every way we can: in the courts, in public opinion, with the bully pulpit, in the halls of Congress, and in every community across this country. We are not going to let this injustice happen.”