State Department Counseling Sessions Spark Controversy and Criticism

State Department’s therapy sessions for employees after Trump’s victory spark controversy and criticism.

At a Glance

State Department held therapy sessions for employees after Trump’s election win.
Sessions described as “cry sessions” for staff upset over election results.
Republican Rep. Darrell Issa criticizes use of taxpayer money for these sessions.
Concerns raised about employees’ willingness to implement Trump’s policies.
Marco Rubio expected to replace Antony Blinken as Secretary of State in January.

Controversy Erupts Over State Department’s Post-Election Sessions

The U.S. State Department, under the leadership of Secretary Antony Blinken, has come under fire for organizing therapy sessions for employees following Donald Trump’s election victory. These sessions, reportedly funded by taxpayer money, were intended to help staff cope with the election outcome, including Vice President Kamala Harris’s electoral loss. Critics, led by Republican Representative Darrell Issa, have dubbed these meetings “cry sessions” and questioned the appropriateness of using federal resources for such purposes.

Rep. Issa expressed deep concern over the State Department’s actions, suggesting that it coddles employees upset by the election results. In a strongly worded statement, Issa criticized the use of government funds for mental health counseling related to the election outcome.

EMOTIONAL STATE: Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) sent a letter to Secretary of State Blinken demanding he reveal the cost of therapy sessions that were reportedly held after President-elect Trump beat VP Harris. https://t.co/1k4Xy15xsR pic.twitter.com/zogcE7c3le

— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 24, 2024

Details of the Therapy Sessions

According to reports, at least two therapy sessions were scheduled within three days of an agency-wide email being sent out. The email offered a webinar on stress management techniques to help employees deal with the election results. These sessions were hosted by the department’s Employee Consultation Services in the Bureau of Medical Services.

“I am concerned that the Department is catering to federal employees who are personally devastated by the normal functioning of American democracy through the provision of government-funded mental health counseling because Kamala Harris was not elected President of the United States.” – Republican Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA)

The email sent to staffers emphasized managing stress and uncertainty during times of change. Sources described the meetings as “cry sessions” for liberal staffers, drawing parallels between the State Department’s focus on feelings and practices common in academia.

Concerns Over Neutrality and Efficacy

Rep. Issa’s criticism extended beyond the use of taxpayer money. He raised concerns about whether these sessions fostered doubts among employees regarding their commitment to carrying out the policy directives of the incoming administration. This has sparked a debate about public service neutrality and efficacy.

Questions have been raised about the willingness of State Department personnel to implement Trump’s policies and whether they should resign if unable to do so. Issa has demanded details from Blinken on the number of therapy sessions, future plans, costs, and the cooperation of employees with Trump’s agenda.

Looking Ahead: Changes in State Department Leadership

As the controversy unfolds, it’s worth noting that Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to be replaced by Marco Rubio in January. Rubio, known as a foreign policy hawk, was on Trump’s shortlist for vice president and is set to lead the State Department with a focus on foreign policy reforms.

Trump’s second term aims to address key foreign policy issues, including ending Russia’s war in Ukraine and addressing Middle East conflicts. The transition in leadership and policy direction at the State Department is likely to be closely watched, especially in light of the current controversy surrounding the post-election therapy sessions.