Federal workers seek online support during job cuts

US federal workers are seeking support on social media amid job cuts linked to President Donald Trump's administration and advice from billionaire Elon Musk. Many employees have lost their jobs or faced uncertainty due to actions from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk oversees. One popular online community, the "fednews" subreddit, has grown to about 550,000 users. Federal workers share advice and support, often anonymously, as they navigate their challenges. For example, one user offered to collect questions for a lawyer specializing in federal worker rights. Others express their distress, like one who announced their firing after weeks of anxiety. Additionally, Helen, a federal employee with an Instagram account called "Feds Work for You," shares information about protests and stories from fired workers. She noted the lack of representation for federal workers on larger platforms, stating that "who's going to be standing up for federal workers?" John, another civil servant, started a YouTube podcast to help the public understand the lives of federal employees. He emphasizes the importance of sharing personal stories while maintaining anonymity, as he fears possible repercussions for speaking out. Online activism has gained momentum, with federal employees creating hashtags, slogans, and even songs like "Hostile Government Takeover," which gained popularity on TikTok. The spoon emoji has also become a symbol of protest, referencing a controversial email from Musk's team offering buyouts to federal employees. Helen advocates for a communication campaign to better explain the roles of federal workers, highlighting that they are often misunderstood and seen as easy targets.