Walz To Federal Workers: If Trump And Elon Laid You Off, MN Wants You

ST. PAUL, MN — Gov. Tim Walz announced Thursday a new initiative to support federal employees who have recently lost their jobs or face employment uncertainty.

With Minnesota’s labor market stretched thin — featuring fewer unemployed workers than available job openings — Walz said the state is stepping up to connect displaced federal employees with new opportunities.

The effort comes in response to sweeping layoffs planned by Elon Musk and the Trump administration, led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Musk, who leads DOGE, argues that by firing federal workers and eliminating entire agencies, the government will operate more efficiently, creating an environment where businesses and individual freedoms can thrive.

Minnesota is home to approximately 18,000 federal employees, many of whom could be affected by the proposed reductions.

Among the most significant cuts, the administration is considering eliminating 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans Affairs, a move that could severely impact veteran health care and disrupt critical benefits, according to the governor's office.

Veterans themselves make up nearly 25 percent of the VA workforce.

"In Minnesota, we value the experience and expertise of federal workers, even if Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and DOGE do not," Walz said in a statement.

"Government workers provide services each of us relies on – from park rangers to firefighters to medical personnel who care for our veterans. If the Trump administration turned you away, Minnesota wants you."

Walz encouraged Minnesota’s federal workers to visit the Minnesota Careers Website to learn about available resources including job search and application preparation.

"The State of Minnesota is a great place to work, with jobs in a wide variety of fields focused on providing essential services and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans," said Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner (MMB) Erin Campbell.

"We welcome applications from federal workers, who understand the power of public service to improve lives."