She voted for Trump – He fired her
Jennifer Piggott, a former Trump supporter, proudly displayed a red-and-blue campaign flag outside her West Virginia home during the election. But after suddenly losing her civil service job, she no longer backs the president.
Piggott was one of more than 125 employees fired in February from the Treasury Department’s Bureau of Fiscal Service (BFS) in Parkersburg, West Virginia. The mass job cuts have shocked the community, which overwhelmingly supported Trump in the election.
Trump Supporter Feels Betrayed
“Nobody I talked to realized how much damage this administration would do to our lives,” said Piggott, 47. “If I had known then what I know now, I wouldn’t have supported him.”
Despite praising some of Trump’s policies, she is confused about why so many federal workers, including herself, were let go. Piggott had worked at BFS for five years and was recently promoted. However, her promotion made her a target, as the Trump administration began cutting thousands of federal workers, including those in probationary periods.
Republican Strongholds Feeling the Impact
Piggott’s shift in loyalty reflects a growing concern among conservatives who once backed Trump. The cuts, led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk, are causing concern even in Republican-dominated areas.
The White House defends the move, stating that Trump was elected to reduce government waste and improve efficiency. “The president is focused on cutting regulations, lowering taxes, and bringing jobs back to America,” said spokesperson Harrison Fields.
However, neither the Musk-led agency nor representatives from West Virginia responded to requests for comments on the mass layoffs.
Growing Economic Worries in Parkersburg
Parkersburg, a city with a population of 29,000, has been hit hard by economic downturns. Once home to thriving industries, the town has suffered factory closures, and BFS provided some of the few stable, well-paying jobs.
Local businesses are bracing for more losses. The Blennerhassett Hotel, a downtown landmark, has reduced seasonal hiring. Parkersburg Brewing fears a drop in customers, as many BFS employees were regular patrons. “These workers had extra money to spend. Now, that’s gone,” said manager Samantha Gibbs.
West Virginia relies heavily on federal jobs, ranking third among U.S. states in the percentage of its workforce employed by the government. Economists warn that further cuts will have devastating effects.
Veterans and Families Struggle After Layoffs
Many veterans, who make up nearly 30% of the federal workforce, are now jobless. Chauncy James, a former BFS employee and veteran, was promoted twice during his 18 months at BFS. Now, he worries about paying his mortgage and feeding his five children.
At a recent protest, James expressed regret over voting for Trump. “They are firing people without thinking of the consequences,” he said. “We never imagined this would happen to us.”
Piggott, whose husband is a disabled military veteran, is now facing financial uncertainty. The couple is considering selling their home to make ends meet.
As more federal employees lose their jobs, the economic impact will likely grow. While some Republicans still support Trump’s cost-cutting measures, others, like Piggott and James, are questioning their loyalty.
Conclusion
The mass firings in Parkersburg highlight the unintended consequences of Trump’s government downsizing efforts. As job losses mount, even some of his strongest supporters are rethinking their stance. The question remains: Will this growing backlash affect Trump’s political future?
She voted for Trump – He fired her
