Federal Workers Who Voted for Trump Now Express Regret: “This Is Not The Apprentice
Some federal employees who supported Donald Trump in the 2016 election now say they regret their decision, citing the impact of his administration’s policies on their jobs and agencies.
Initially drawn to Trump’s promises of shaking up Washington, these workers hoped he would bring business-style efficiency to the federal government. However, many now feel disillusioned, saying his leadership style was chaotic and detrimental to their work.
One major point of frustration was the 2018-2019 government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, which left hundreds of thousands of workers without pay for weeks. Others were troubled by cuts to federal programs, hiring freezes, and what they saw as a disregard for the expertise of career professionals.
Some workers now acknowledge they underestimated the challenges of electing someone with no government experience. “This is not The Apprentice,” one former supporter said, referencing Trump’s reality TV show.
Their regret highlights a broader conversation about leadership, experience, and the real-world consequences of political decisions—especially for those working within the system they once hoped Trump would reform.
