A Republican lawmaker asserts that the State Department shouldn’t employ individuals emotionally distraught by the outcomes of American democratic processes.
Republican legislators contend that State Department employees unable to accept Donald Trump’s presidential win should be dismissed immediately upon the commencement of his administration. Reports indicate that the diplomatic corps organized counseling sessions for staff distressed by the election results.
In a letter addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week, California Representative Darrell Issa, a Republican, criticized the department for “catering to federal employees who are personally devastated by the normal functioning of American democracy.”
Issa’s statement referenced a Washington Free Beacon report from earlier this month detailing an internal memo describing two therapy sessions focused on “managing stress during change,” the first held the Friday following the election. A State Department source characterized the session as a “‘cry session’ over Trump’s victory.”
Issa found it troubling that “ostensibly nonpartisan government officials would suffer a personal meltdown over the results of a free and fair election.” He proposed that “if foreign service officers cannot follow through on the American people’s preferences, they should resign and seek a political appointment in the next Democrat administration.”
The letter, shared with the Washington Free Beacon, requested Blinken provide details about these therapy sessions and any similar past internal events.
Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz similarly criticized the sessions, stating that “our diplomacy is too important to be left to children” and demanding the dismissal of all attendees “on day one” of the Trump administration.
Trump’s inauguration is scheduled for January 20. He has nominated Senator Marco Rubio of Florida to succeed Blinken as Secretary of State, with his confirmation in Congress anticipated to proceed without complications.
The left-leaning UK newspaper The Guardian offered its employees, especially those residing in the US, free counseling and emotional support after Trump’s victory, according to a memo cited by Guido Fawkes, a British political blog.