TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa Bay is inevitable from the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce.
On Friday, US representative Kathy Caster met with about 12 former federal workers in Tampa who were given fire letters. One of them is Michael Slattery, who was given a firing letter on Valentine’s Day.
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“My firing letter said when there’s a performance review that it’s not, it’s due to performance,” Slattery said.
Slattery worked as a scientist in St. Petersburg last month in August 2024. Slattery was hired to investigate important data, such as forecast models, and hand it over to local and state officials before and after the storm. That was in a position to last for four years. Congress created and funded the Slatary job in 2022, following Hurricane Ian.
“I was doing it with others, and I was the only one in the role of communicating with stakeholders,” Slattery said.
This week, President Donald Trump responded to concerns that some fires were happening too quickly, which forced some recovery.
“When we have good people, it’s valuable people, and it’s very important that we want them to maintain good people,” Trump said.
The Castor’s office sent a statement following the meeting on Friday.
“Today, Rep. Kathy Caster has convened a roundtable with federal workers, including some that recently ended as part of Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s efforts to dismantle the federal government. Rep. Kaster joined the front of democracy to discuss ongoing litigation related to the illegal termination of thousands of workers across the country, including Tampa Bay. Workers, some have been deemed “essential” by supervisors, but are only fired by Doge and represent MacDill AFB, NOAA, HHS, USDA and USGS. Two of our employees were veterans in uniform in our country. They shared their stories with Congressman Caster, expressing deep frustration and confusion as Musk and Trump continue to lightly mean the work they have dedicated to their lives. ”
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna also sent a statement.
“Unfortunately, too many federal workers are abusing their positions, and have little work while receiving good wages and excellent benefits. With $37 trillion in debt, America cannot afford to hire absent or negligent workers. I support this initiative, but let’s be clear. Hardworking federal employees who live up to job expectations should not worry about being fired. That being said, me and my office are committed to defending for those who may have been fired by mistake. I have the greatest confidence that President Trump wants to eliminate systematic waste, fraud and abuse in the federal government.
