Fed workers pause 250th celebrations as burnout and job strain loom

As the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary with lavish celebrations, more than two million federal workers nationwide face burnout, job insecurity, and heavy workloads after a sweeping government overhaul under the Trump administration, including downsizing and widespread reassignments. Many employees—from FEMA to Social Security to TSA—are opting out of patriotic displays, citing loss of morale, pay disruptions from shutdowns, and a sense that public service has suffered under the current era of cuts and political turmoil.