They have fewer free-speech rights than private workers, but what counts as a fireable offense is debatable
By Katherine Barrett and Richard Greene | Governing
Can government employees be legally fired for criticizing the government?
It’s a question that many federal workers are asking as they look for ways to express opposition to their new boss but keep their jobs. During the presidential campaign last year, one survey found that 95 percent of federal workers’ donations went to Hillary Clinton. Now they find themselves working for President Donald Trump, the candidate they tried to beat.
Some are attending workshops. Others are refusing to implement orders they don’t agree with. Many are airing their grievances in public and on social media.
