(KRON) — A navy veteran was not too long ago fired from his job in California working as a scientist for the U.S. Division of Agriculture. In line with U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose), the scientist is one among many federal staff who have been unfairly terminated by Elon Musk’s Division of Authorities Effectivity and President Donald Trump.
“I am calling attention to the mass firings of federal employees by Donald Trump and Elon Musk from science, agricultural, and research agencies,” Lofgren mentioned.
The scientist was based mostly within the Salinas Valley, an ag area in Monterey County generally known as “America’s Salad Bowl.” He requested anonymity to forestall retaliatory actions in opposition to his household.
Lofgren mentioned Musk’s DOGE is finishing up “mindless firings” in opposition to federal staff.
The scientist obtained optimistic job efficiency opinions final yr whereas working for the USDA’s Sam Farr United States Crop Enchancment and Safety Analysis Middle. On February 14, the scientist and a few of his co-workers obtained an e-mail stating, “The Agency finds, based on your performance, that you have not demonstrated that your further employment would be in the public interest. For this reason, the Agency informs you that the Agency is removing you from your position of (science technician).”
The firings went into impact the day earlier than the layoff emails have been obtained by USDA staff in Salinas. With billionaire Musk by his aspect, Trump is within the technique of firing 1000’s of federal staff.
Elon Musk, accompanied by U.S. President Donald Trump, and his son X Musk, speaks throughout an govt order signing within the Oval Workplace on the White Home on February 11, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump signed an govt order implementing the Division of Authorities Effectivity’s (DOGE) “workforce optimization initiative.” (Picture by Andrew Harnik/Getty Photographs)
Lofgren mentioned the veteran-turned-scientist shall be her visitor Tuesday in Washington, D.C. for Trump’s handle to Congress.
“When I heard from this particular Salinas scientist and U.S. Air Force veteran, I knew I had to reach out to this public servant … and invite him to DC, as his situation represents one of the many mindless firings by Trump and Musk that undermine our country’s science and innovation prowess,” Lofgren mentioned.
Brise Tencer, director of the Natural Farming Analysis Basis, mentioned publicly funded agricultural analysis is important for serving to America’s farmers adapt, innovate, and thrive. Tencer mentioned latest layoffs at USDA jeopardizes vital work and disrupts long-term tasks that improve soil well being and crop resilience.
Lofgren mentioned, “Monterey County agriculture pumps greater than $1.3 million into the native economic system every hour of day-after-day.
“USDA scientists, like my guest, conduct important research and development projects that boost American innovation and help keep food on our tables. The United States will no longer be the envy of the world if Co-Presidents Trump and Musk keep firing smart, capable public servants advancing America’s best interests,” the Congresswoman mentioned.
The Congresswoman is a rating member of the Home Science, House, and Know-how Committee. The Committee on Science, House, and Know-how is at present surveying the impression of the Trump administration’s mass firings of federal staff from science businesses.
