Recent survey results reveal the sentiments of federal workers towards President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s impact on the federal government. According to a Washington Post-Ipsos poll, a majority of federal employees express dissatisfaction with the current administration’s approach to government operations.
Survey Findings
The survey indicates that 56% of federal workers believe that the Trump administration’s policies will have a detrimental effect on government operations, while only 32% remain optimistic. Similarly, a significant 67% of respondents disapprove of Elon Musk’s engagement with the federal government, with only 33% expressing approval of his methods.
Despite these concerns, the survey highlights that the majority of federal workers are not actively seeking alternative employment opportunities. A staggering 81% of current employees state that they are unlikely to leave their federal positions voluntarily within the next year, even if their roles are not affected by potential cutbacks.
Job Security and Government Cuts
Interestingly, the survey reflects a sense of confidence among federal workers regarding their job security amidst rumored government cutbacks. Sixty-three percent of respondents believe that they are unlikely to be impacted by the proposed cuts, despite signals from the Department of Government Efficiency and the administration suggesting otherwise.
Moreover, the survey reveals skepticism among federal workers regarding the implementation of deferred resignation payments promised by the Office of Personnel Management. Approximately 63% of respondents doubt that the government will fulfill this commitment, casting doubt on the administration’s ability to honor agreements with employees.
Survey Methodology
Conducted by The Washington Post and Ipsos Public Affairs, the survey involved 614 civilian federal government workers as of January 1, 2025. The online survey was administered through the Ipsos KnowledgePanel from February 28 to March 10, with a margin of error of plus or minus 5.1 percentage points.
