Gov. Glenn Youngkin held a press event Monday morning to highlight job options across Virginia for federal workers who might have already or are preparing to lose their jobs due to cuts in spending from President Donald Trump’s administration. While Youngkin said that these changes are what Americans voted for in November, Democrats point out that Kamala Harris won Virginia by 6 points and implore him to stand up to the president.
“I don’t believe that the federal government downsizing is wrong, and in fact, we need to press forward and drive efficiencies in our federal government,” Youngkin said after the event. “And as a result of driving those efficiencies, I do expect that some Virginians will lose their jobs.”
“And that’s why it’s so important that we provide alternative opportunities for them,” he continued, citing multiple resources for federal employees who were fired can use.
Youngkin announced Virginiahasjobs.com, a website to help connect Virginians who need a job with an opportunity to find one.
“Virginia Has Jobs” is an opportunity for every Virginian — and every business — to capitalize on the thriving economy, with more than 250,000 open jobs waiting to be filled,” he said.
Youngkin also noted that Virginia’s Employment Commission has resources for individuals who lose their jobs, including virtual job fairs, unemployment insurance, Virginia Works and more. (The resources are cited at the bottom of this story.)
Throughout the speech and in his press release, the Youngkin administration never used the word “fired.”
Instead, they used the phrases: “separating from their employer,” “federal workforce realignment,” and “potential job disruptions.”
Democrats pushed back quickly.
“Our governor sees nothing ‘wrong’ with the hundreds of thousands of Virginians who work in public service to our nation losing their jobs,” said state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, who is seeking the Democratic nomination to run for lieutenant governor. “We need new statewide leadership who sides with us, not Trump and Musk.”
Democratic Party of Virginia Chairwoman Susan Swecker accused the governor of trying to play both sides.
“Glenn Youngkin not only has a gross misunderstanding of what it means to be jobless and without a paycheck, but he is shamelessly trying to play both sides by pretending to support federal workers while kissing the rings of Donald Trump and Elon Musk,” she said.
Youngkin said Monday that the federal workforce being downsized represents what Americans voted for when choosing Trump.
“It begins with just a clear recognition that Americans voted for more efficient federal governments, and that’s exactly what President Trump and the administration are working to deliver,” he said. “This is a chance for us to come together and continue to drive Virginia forward. I’m excited about the future, and I know we can help those that need it along the way.”
Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, pointed out that Trump lost in Virginia.
“I’m glad Governor Youngkin has finally acknowledged the destruction to the Virginia economy. Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s recklessness has hurt Virginia, but Virginians didn’t vote for this and Trump lost our state by 250,000 votes,” he said. “Virginians want Governor Youngkin to stand up and fight for their jobs instead of taking a knee.”
Sources cited by Youngkin
- Federal Worker Support Resources: All state resources are detailed below and are available at https://www.governor.virginia.gov/federalworkersupport. Virginians can email [email protected] for additional assistance.
- Virginia Works: Job seekers can access Virginia Works’ suite of services as well as other partner services in person through American Job Centers in Northern Virginia and across the Commonwealth. Dedicated resource hubs are also available at the Northern and Arlington/Alexandria regions of Virginia Career Works.
- Virtual Job Fairs: Virginia Works will host a virtual job fair on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 10 am to 3 pm. More information coming to www.virginiaworks.gov.
- Commonwealth of Virginia Jobs: Talented individuals seeking to continue their careers in public service are encouraged to seek opportunities with the Commonwealth of Virginia at https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/.
- Unemployment Insurance: Many federal employees separating from their employer may be eligible for unemployment benefits, and dedicated information resources can be found at http://vec.virginia.gov.
- Applicants can apply for benefits easily online using ID.me, an identity verification tool, through Customer Self-Service, using only a driver’s license or another form of government ID. Those who need further help can also call our Customer Contact Center at 1-866-832-2363 or visit one of our American Job Centers where Virginia Works staff is available to assist with initial claims filing and job search services.
- Health Care Coverage: Individuals who need to update their healthcare coverage options outside of open enrollment due to a change in employment status can visit http://www.enrollva.org.
- Earn a High-Demand Credential: The Virginia Community College System offers a variety of credentials along with programs for which Virginians may be eligible that can provide financial assistance, such as G3 and FastForward, which provide taxpayer funded degrees and credentials in high-demand fields. Constituents can find information on these programs and courses at http://vccs.edu.