Large group assembles in Orange County to encourage one another following widespread termination of employment at the federal DOGE office
In the aftermath of President Donald Trump's second term, a wave of layoffs swept through various federal departments and agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Over 200 FEMA employees, including Sarah Kinnard, were terminated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a department established to streamline government operations.
Sarah Kinnard, who has a master's of public administration, worked for FEMA for three years, writing national preparedness reports. After her termination, she was given one month's severance pay and is now struggling to make ends meet. She may lose her home in October and is forced to rely on help from family to get by.
The DOGE-led layoffs have also affected other sectors. Wes McMahon, who worked for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, was laid off, causing delays and hardships for Burmese families in Orange County who are waiting for their family members to enter the country.
The local community has stepped up to help those affected. Organizations like the Refugee Support Center and the Refugee Community Partnership have increased their aid efforts, but they need federal dollars to sustain their operations long-term.
The Labor Department reported that U.S. employers added about 73,000 jobs in July, less than the projected 115,000, and the unemployment rate rose to 4.2% nationally. Economists attribute the numbers to Trump's trade wars with the country's trading partners.
The Orange County Democratic Party organized an event called "DOGE Days Are Over" to provide a platform for people to share their layoff stories. Documentarian Carol Burk recorded short videos of those willing to speak out. The party also plans to host multiple events to help people affected by government layoffs, including a large food drive in November.
The DOGE's actions have sparked protests, lawsuits, and opposition from federal workers and civil society, reflecting broader disruption to federal operations nationwide. The status of DOGE is currently in flux, with some key members having recently departed, and controversies around legality and transparency remaining active.
In North Carolina, more than 23,000 federal employees work in the 2nd, 4th, and 13th congressional districts. The impact of the DOGE layoffs on employment and community services in the state is not explicit, but given the wide-ranging role of DOGE in federal workforce reductions and service cuts, it is likely that North Carolina has been affected indirectly.
For many like Sarah Kinnard and Wes McMahon, the loss of their jobs was more than just financial. It marked the collapse of careers grounded in purpose. As they navigate through these challenging times, they continue to seek new opportunities and find ways to stay positive.
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