Federal workers experiencing ‘PTSD-like symptoms’ after unlawful firings by Trump administration
US federal workers who were laid off by the Trump administration report experiencing mental health effects, including symptoms similar to PTSD, following their job losses, according to a recent survey.
The survey, conducted by 27UNIHTED, a network of former National Institute of Health (NIH) employees, included over 300 probationary employees who were fired. Among them, 95% reported ongoing mental health challenges, nearly half indicated experiencing PTSD-like symptoms, and a quarter have started new medications to manage these symptoms.
Respondents were spread across 43 states and the US Virgin Islands and had worked in 12 different departments spanning 15 agencies, bureaus, and subgroups.
These employees represent a small portion of the more than 300,000 federal workers who were either laid off, pressured to resign, or retire since the beginning of Donald Trump’s second term. Over 25,000 workers were dismissed during their probationary periods, meaning they had been employed for only one or two years before their abrupt termination.
Some of the most pivotal races expected to flip are now set for November, with significant spending anticipated in contests considered toss-ups, even in districts leaning towards the party not in power.
In New Jersey, the Democratic Party nominated former healthcare executive and US Navy veteran Rebecca Bennett after a crowded primary. She will challenge Republican Congressman Tom Kean Jr., who ran unopposed, in a suburban swing district narrowly carried by Trump last year. The race has gained importance recently as constituents and colleagues have raised questions about Kean’s whereabouts during a mysterious three-month absence from Congress.
In Iowa, where Democrats plan substantial spending, rematches have been set in districts that produced some of the closest House races two years ago. Additionally, a moderate candidate promoting a “prairie populism” message has raised hopes among Democrats for winning the US Senate seat vacated by incumbent Joni Ernst.
Josh Turek, representing a Trump-friendly legislative district in the state legislature, defeated state senator Zach Wahls, who ran a more anti-establishment campaign. Turek will face former broadcaster Ashley Hinson this fall.
Following Turek’s victory, the Cook Political Report changed the race rating from “likely Republican” to “lean Republican,” citing Turek’s personal story—born with spina bifida due to his father’s exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, wheelchair user, and Paralympic gold medalist—and his moderate appeal as factors that could attract voters despite a challenging environment for Republicans.
“I will be a real fighter for Iowans, the middle class and our working families. So from now until November, I welcome all Iowans – Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike – to join our team.”
California primary unresolved as voters choose midterm candidates
Welcome to the US politics live blog.
The crowded California primary for governor remains undecided as voters weigh their preference between experienced politicians and candidates promising sweeping change.
With votes still being tallied, Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer, and Republican Steve Hilton have begun focusing on the November general election, outlining their visions for leading the nation’s most populous state and one of the world’s largest economies.
The primary votes on Tuesday could result in critical districts flipping in both the House and Senate, setting the stage for high-stakes general election contests in a midterm year expected to favor Democrats.
Among the most closely watched races are a New Jersey Democrat who may unseat a Republican incumbent absent due to a mysterious medical issue for months, several Iowa Democrats aiming to flip their traditionally red-leaning state, and California’s redrawn maps that provide Democrats an advantage in the heavily blue state.
In California’s governor race, only two candidates will advance to the general election. The Associated Press has not yet declared a winner, but so far, Hilton and Becerra are leading, with Steyer trailing slightly.
“Change is coming to California, and it’s long overdue,”
Hilton told supporters after polls closed, reflecting his campaign message that the state requires a dramatic reset after more than 15 years of Democratic governance.
Steyer also campaigned on change, declaring on Tuesday that he would overcome the wealthy interests attempting to defeat him.
Becerra positioned himself as a steady leader capable of guiding the state against intrusions from the Trump administration. He stated to applause,
“The underdog stayed in the fight.”
In the heated primary for mayor, Karen Bass emerged ahead but with less than 50% of the vote, meaning she will have to defend her seat in the November general election. She is likely to face either Spencer Pratt, a former reality TV star, or city council member Nithya Raman.
In Iowa, state representative Josh Turek won the Democratic nomination for the state’s open US Senate seat and will face Ashley Hinson in the November general election. Hinson, a former television anchor turned state senator, has been endorsed by Donald Trump and retiring Senator Joni Ernst.
Adam Hamawy secured the Democratic nomination for New Jersey’s 12th congressional district and will challenge Republican Gregg Mele in the November general election. Hamawy decided to run for office after returning from a medical mission in 2024 and meeting Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, who announced her retirement in November 2025.
Deb Haaland won the Democratic nomination for governor in New Mexico. If elected in November, Haaland would become the first Native American woman governor in the United States.
Christina Bohannan won the Democratic nomination for Iowa’s 1st congressional district and will compete against incumbent Republican Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks in the November general election.
Zach Lahn narrowly won the Republican nomination for governor in Iowa and will face Democrat Rob Sand in the general election this November. Five Republicans competed for the nomination to replace retiring Republican Governor Kim Reynolds.
Former Navy helicopter pilot Rebecca Bennett won the Democratic nomination for New Jersey’s 7th congressional district and will challenge Republican Congressman Tom Kean Jr. in the general election. Kean has shared a statement on social media saying he is “more energized than ever” and will “be completely transparent as to the nature of my medical condition” when he returns to work in “a matter of weeks.”
