Video: Kaine Issues Open Letter to Federal Workers Urging Strength, Promising Support

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) spoke on the Senate floor today to share an open letter to federal workers in Virginia and across the country, urging them to keep serving everyday Americans and to resist President Trump’s sham buyout offer, and promising to do everything in his power to prevent the Trump Administration from gutting the nonpartisan civil service—including by collecting stories from federal workers through his website, which will continue to be updated with FAQs and other helpful resources.

Broadcast-quality video of Kaine’s speech is available here.

“The Trump Administration has made plain that it wants to kick you around—by blocking your ability to administer federal resources, censuring your free speech, locking you out of your work buildings, demonizing you in the press, and sending you ominous, and at times threatening, messages,” wrote Kaine in the letter. “These actions are shameful and harmful not only to you, but to Americans across the country that you serve.”

“America needs you—that has never been clearer than in the wake of Trump’s federal funding freeze last week. I heard from folks in every corner of Virginia about the invaluable support they receive from federal workers like you,” Kaine continued.

“I know it has been—and will continue to be—tough. Donald Trump and his cronies are determined to do anything they can to knock you off course. They’ve even dangled a phony buyout in your face. But make no mistake: that buyout is a trap,” Kaine cautioned. “Donald Trump has no authority to offer you a resignation buyout. Don’t trust a guy with a long history of stiffing contractors by taking him up on a sham deal that he won’t follow through on.”

Kaine has been a staunch advocate for America’s nonpartisan, merit-based civil service, and has vigorously opposed Trump’s efforts to gut the federal workforce. He has introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation, titled the Saving the Civil Service Act, to prevent federal workers from being frivolously reclassified and fired en masse for political reasons. On February 4, 2025, Kaine took to the Senate floor to highlight the real-world ramifications of the Trump Administration’s assault on the civil service and federal agencies, from making it harder for Virginia veterans to set up doctor’s appointments to ceding international influence to adversaries like Russia and China.

“You aren’t alone,” said Kaine in the letter. “I’m going to be here with you, every day, working alongside you in service.”

The full text of the letter is available below.

Dear Federal Workers:

As you are all too aware, we are in a dark time. The Trump Administration has made plain that it wants to kick you around—by blocking your ability to administer federal resources, censuring your free speech, locking you out of your work buildings, demonizing you in the press, and sending you ominous, and at times threatening, messages. These actions are shameful and harmful not only to you, but to Americans across the country that you serve.

But especially in the darkest of times, we must stay focused on finding our guiding lights. I hope you will let the call to service that you answered when you first swore your oaths as federal employees serve as that light.

My advice to you today is simple, even if it’s not easy: Don’t give up. Keep serving everyday folks.

You are here because of your expertise. You are here because of your patriotism. You are here because you know the value in dedicating your life to serving your fellow Americans.

America needs you—that has never been clearer than in the wake of Trump’s federal funding freeze last week. I heard from folks in every corner of Virginia about the invaluable support they receive from federal workers like you.

Across the country, Americans are counting on you to deliver crucial services—from inspecting our food to make sure it’s safe, to protecting our national security. From administering Social Security benefits, to supporting our allies around the world and keeping the influence of China, Iran, and Russia at bay.

I know it has been—and will continue to be—tough. Donald Trump and his cronies are determined to do anything they can to knock you off course. They’ve even dangled a phony buyout in your face. But make no mistake: that buyout is a trap. Donald Trump has no authority to offer you a resignation buyout. Don’t trust a guy with a long history of stiffing contractors by taking him up on a sham deal that he won’t follow through on.

But you aren’t alone. I’m going to be here with you, every day, working alongside you in service.

I want to share with you some specific ways in which I want to be a resource to you. On my website, kaine.senate.gov, I am collecting stories from federal workers about what you are experiencing. Under no circumstances will I share publicly any information you send me without your consent. You can also choose to submit your stories anonymously if you prefer.

I will also be updating my webpage with information that may be helpful to you, including summarizes of your rights, recourse you can seek if you believe you are being illegally terminated, and answers to other frequently asked questions my office is receiving.

Please know, that I’m going to do everything I can to stand up for you—just like you’re standing up for the American people. Thank you for your service.

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