Why Shutdown Layoff Threats Don’t Phase This Fearless Federal Employee: NPR

As the federal government neared a shutdown last week, Jenna Norton stood with fellow civil servants outside the U.S. Capitol, urging legislators not to be intimidated by the Trump administration’s warnings of widespread federal layoffs.

“As a federal employee, I want to emphasize that the devastating consequences of a shutdown – closing vital programs, harming the economy, and terminating federal workers – are already unfolding,” Norton declared. She spoke in her personal capacity as a program director at the National Institutes of Health.

Highlighting the Supreme Court’s deference to the Trump administration’s policies, Norton called on Congress to intervene decisively.

“Congress remains the last line of defense to protect essential public services that Americans rely on,” she stressed.

Now furloughed, Norton continues to appeal to lawmakers to reject any budget agreement that perpetuates the current harmful trajectory. Instead, she urges them to wield their constitutional “power of the purse” to reclaim control over federal spending.

“They accepted the responsibility and privilege of representing the American people,” Norton told NPR. “If they truly mean to serve, they must stand firm against a president who seeks unchecked authority.”

Exposing the reality of ongoing impacts

Nearly a week into the shutdown, approximately 750,000 federal workers remain furloughed, with many more, including military personnel, working without pay.

Meanwhile, President Trump, along with his budget director Russell Vought and other officials, have reiterated threats of mass layoffs and program suspensions, particularly targeting projects in states governed by Democrats. On Sunday evening, Trump claimed layoffs were already in progress.

Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought addresses the press outside the White House on September 29.
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“This is happening right now, and it’s all because of the Democrats,” Trump told reporters, without specifying which agencies had begun staff reductions.

However, NPR has found no evidence of layoffs directly caused by the shutdown since funding expired on October 1. Many federal agencies have, nonetheless, submitted plans for workforce reductions and reorganizations in response to a February executive order and related directives.

Norton worries she might lose her job during the shutdown or face repercussions for speaking out. NIH employees have been cautioned against media interactions, and many federal workers interviewed by NPR prefer anonymity due to fears of retaliation.

Despite these risks, Norton feels compelled to raise awareness about the damage she witnesses within the government, which she believes is far more severe than the public perceives.

Jenna Norton considers this moment an opportunity to expose what agencies such as NIH have already forfeited.
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“I feel like I have a front-row view of our democracy unraveling. We’re witnessing it live, with a president demanding actions that are illegal and detrimental to the American people,” she said.

In response, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson accused Democrats and dissenting federal employees like Norton of harming the nation.

“President Trump was elected by a decisive majority to implement his agenda,” Jackson stated to NPR. “Federal workers opposing this agenda are, in effect, working against the American voters who chose the President.”

Cuts to health disparities research funding

At NIH, Norton’s role involves managing research grants that investigate why certain populations suffer disproportionately from kidney disease and how to address these inequities.

She highlights that Black individuals are four times more likely to progress from early kidney disease to end-stage renal failure, requiring costly treatments like dialysis or transplantation.

Developing effective interventions not only saves lives but also reduces government healthcare expenditures, Norton explains, since Medicare covers dialysis expenses.

Yet earlier this year, the Trump administration terminated hundreds of NIH grants as part of a broader crackdown on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Norton was informed that grants in her portfolio were cut because they contained terms flagged by the administration, such as “structural racism.”

Grant recipients filed a lawsuit, and U.S. District Judge William Young, appointed by Reagan, ruled the terminations unlawful.

“I have never encountered such blatant racial discrimination,” Young remarked during a June 16 hearing, according to court transcripts. “In my 40 years on the bench, I have never seen government racial discrimination like this.”

The Trump administration appealed and petitioned the Supreme Court, which without hearing oral arguments, overturned the key portion of Judge Young’s ruling, stating the plaintiffs should have filed in the Court of Federal Claims.

NIH layoffs disproportionately affected communications staff

In the spring, NIH announced layoffs affecting roughly 1,300 employees, following a similar legal trajectory. A lower court judge deemed the layoffs likely illegal, but the Supreme Court allowed them to proceed temporarily.

This led to significant cuts among NIH’s policy and communications teams – the crucial link between the agency, Congress, and the public. Norton explains that without these staff, her team cannot update websites with meeting notes or research findings.

She understands the administration’s motive to control agency messaging.

“Information equates to power,” Norton said. “This isn’t merely a partisan battle between Democrats and Republicans; it’s a struggle between democracy and autocracy.”

Jenna Norton displays bracelets gifted by a former colleague, symbolizing support for federal workers at NIH, EPA, and other agencies.
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A daily reminder of her commitment

On her left wrist, Norton wears friendship bracelets reminiscent of those popularized by Taylor Swift fans. Instead of lyrics, these bracelets bear inscriptions like “Support the Constitution” and “NIH,” representing various federal agencies.

They were a thoughtful gift from a former coworker concerned about the current state of government affairs.

“They serve as a small token of our dedication to our oath of office – to uphold the Constitution and serve the American people,” Norton explained.

These bracelets also reinforce her resolve to speak out, despite the challenges. She acknowledges that many Americans, including some family members, hold differing views on the administration.

“My parents voted for Trump, so I recognize that his supporters are not bad people; they desire the same things I do – financial security and opportunities for their children,” she said.

Yet Norton worries about the future, especially for her own children, fearing that the freedom to express oneself may no longer be guaranteed.

Jenna Norton enjoys time with her son in their backyard.
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