National Federation of Federal Employees

The Trump administration's proposed USDA reorganization aims to close the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and relocate over 2,500 employees from Washington, D.C., to five regional offices. Union leaders and former USDA officials argue the plan will cause widespread layoffs and harm the department's ability to manage pests, diseases, food safety, and wildfire response.

USDA union leaders oppose the Trump administration's plan to relocate over 2,500 employees from Washington, D.C., to five regional offices, warning of widespread layoffs and reduced capacity to address core functions like food safety and pest control. The reorganization, led by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, aims to cut the department's D.C. workforce to 2,000 by 2025, with regional offices in cities including Raleigh, Kansas City, and Salt Lake City.

The Trump administration's proposed USDA reorganization aims to relocate over 2,500 employees from Washington, D.C., to five regional offices, sparking opposition from union leaders who warn of layoffs and reduced capacity to address critical issues like food safety and wildfire response. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins' plan, outlined in a July 2025 memo, seeks to limit D.C. staff to 2,000, but critics argue it will harm the department's operational effectiveness.

USDA union leaders and former officials oppose the Trump administration's proposal to downsize the Washington, D.C., headquarters and relocate over 2,500 employees to five regional offices, warning of potential layoffs and reduced capacity for critical services. The reorganization, led by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, aims to limit D.C. staff to 2,000 by 2025, with regional offices in Raleigh, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Fort Collins, and Salt Lake City.

USDA union leaders oppose a Trump administration proposal to close the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and relocate over 2,500 employees from Washington, D.C., to regional offices, warning of layoffs and reduced capacity for core USDA functions. The reorganization, led by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, aims to limit D.C. staffing to 2,000 by 2025, with regional offices in cities like Raleigh and Kansas City. Critics argue the move exacerbates existing workforce losses and hampers wildfire response and food safety efforts.

Three federal wildland firefighters, including Emily Barker of Michigan, died in a burnover incident while battling merged fires near the Utah-Colorado border. The National Federation of Federal Employees and advocacy groups raised concerns about safety, staffing shortages, and escalating fire risks during the early phase of the 2026 wildfire season.

Federal employees are suing the US Department of Agriculture and Secretary Brooke Rollins, accusing her of sending religious messages to staff on holidays. The complaint alleges that Rollins sent emails with Christian language and theology, making employees feel excluded and unwelcome in the workplace. The lawsuit claims this practice violates the First Amendment's Establishment Clause.