Leaked IRS email reveals intense pressure on federal workers

A leaked email from an IRS office shows that federal workers are under a lot of stress amid job cuts and demands for efficiency. The email mentioned that three federal workers had recently taken their own lives. While this rate aligns with past statistics, the email brought attention to the pressure these employees were facing. White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly condemned the media's response to the deaths, emphasizing that families should be treated with respect. The email, sent on March 11, expressed sadness about the loss of colleagues and mentioned the overwhelming nature of their work environment. Federal workers have been closely scrutinized since Donald Trump became president, leading to significant job cuts. The new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has proposed terminating more than 200,000 federal jobs in the name of efficiency. This has drawn criticism and concerns regarding worker morale. A federal judge recently ordered the reinstatement of thousands of workers who had been laid off. Many federal employees have reported low morale and worry about their jobs. Some have even expressed having suicidal thoughts. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that while there were 17 occupational suicides in 2023, the overall rate among federal workers has not significantly increased under the Trump administration. Mental health professionals like Jill Lees have highlighted the need for better access to mental health care for these workers. Support is available for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.