Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger responded to one of President Donald Trump’s executive that removes protections for federal workers.
The order reclassifies federal employees as political appointees, making it easier for Trump to fire individuals that he believes are not loyal to him.
“Virginia is home to thousands of federal employees who work tirelessly each day to keep America’s communities strong, safe, and connected,” Spanberger said Tuesday. “They are nonpartisan professionals who have devoted their careers to serving our nation. When the President threatens to fire these federal workers and redesignate their jobs as appointee positions, he’s not only threatening the jobs and livelihoods of our Virginia neighbors and their families — he’s prioritizing political allegiance over nonpartisan expertise and experience in some of our country’s most consequential roles.
The United States Office of Personnel Management says there are more than 140,000 federal employees in Virginia. California is the only state with more.
During the campaign, Trump advertised his plan to “return power back to the American people by cleaning out the Deep State, firing rogue bureaucrats and career politicians, and targeting government corruption.”
He has now put that plan into action.
“Over the past few years, I’ve been unequivocal about the dangers of bringing back this reckless, misguided policy,” Spanberger continued. “Not only does it disrupt Virginia’s economic stability, but it disrespects the contributions of America’s nonpartisan public servants. This executive order paves the way for replacing these principled public servants with partisan loyalists.”
Spanberger is currently the only Democrat seeking the nomination to run for governor this year.
Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears, the only Republican currently running for governor, did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday.