Propublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates power abuse. Sign up and receive the biggest story as soon as it’s published.
A senior NASA official warned employees on Friday to “use discretion” when displaying badges or emblems identifying them as federal workers. This is part of the effort to protect employees in “possible harassment stories” outside of work.
“We are all very proud to work in the Space Program,” wrote Dr. James Polk, NASA’s Chief Health and Medical Officer. “But in our current environment, there’s a lot of negative rhetoric coming in our direction, so I want you to pay attention.”
Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump and his administration and allies have used strong words to disgrace the federal workers they are firing in large quantities. “We’re bloated. We’re sloppy. The President said on February 26th at the first cabinet meeting.
Polk’s warning to employees came two days after receiving a report about an employee who was “assaulted” at Starbucks. “This is probably one of the saddest emails I have had to write recently,” he said in an email obtained by Propublica.
Polk said at the meeting that NASA’s associate administrator, Nicola Fox, faced Starbucks to someone “because she was a federal employee.” The worker was working on her computer and was identified by her badge and logo, he wrote.
Polk, who reached Saturday, said the email was not intended by anyone other than NASA. He said he had no additional details about the incident and declined to comment on the email to staff who had not named the employee or his email. Fox declined to comment.
What we see
During Donald Trump’s second presidency, Propovica will focus on areas that need scrutiny. Below are some of the issues reporters watch, and how to safely communicate with them.
We are doing something new. Helpful?
NASA spokesman Cheryl Warner said the agency was the term used in the email, “We’ve heard about possible harassment against employees, but it’s not assault.”
“Our managers listen to information third-hand and use it as an opportunity to remind their team to be aware of those around them and report an outbreak to the Department of Protection Services,” she said.
The White House did not immediately return a request for comment.
It was not clear where the incident took place.
The email has been circulating among NASA employees, some of whom said they are interested in the Trump administration’s rhetoric regarding government workers. The president, his advisors, and his Congressional allies reduced all of the attacks on federal workers last week as the government takes on extensive efforts to reduce the size of the federal government.
Elon Musk, a high-tech billionaire who nominated Trump to head the government’s efficiency department, is leading the way.
A week ago, he requested that federal employees respond to emails asking them to list five things they accomplished the previous week or to be fired. “What he’s doing is saying, ‘You’re actually working’? ” Trump said.
Missouri GOP’s efforts to take over St. Louis police Hakens have returned to civil war
Tuesday, R-Ga. “Federal employees don’t deserve the job,” Senator Marjorie Taylor Greene, of the committee meeting, told the committee. Federal employees are not worth their pay. ”
And on Wednesday, a Trump official sent a memo on cutting the federal workforce saying, “Americans registered their verdict on November 5, 2024 in corrupt federal bureaucracy that bloated November 5, 2024 by voting on their promise to clean up the federal government.”
NASA avoided the expected layoffs in February, but still loses personnel due to acquisition plans.
Polk urged staff to be unsuspecting.
“Beware of your surroundings and maintain good awareness of the situation and operational security,” he wrote. “Be careful when you’re making phone calls in public places and make sure you’re aware of the people around you.”
If you are a federal worker and you think you have worked outside as a result of your position as a government employee, Propublica wants to hear from you. Please contact the signal tip number on 917-512-0201. Below is a detailed description of how to safely send information:
