Biden Administration Organizing Therapy Sessions In Wake of Trump Win

Group comforting a distressed person with hand on shoulder.

The Biden-Harris State Department organizes therapy sessions for staff following Donald Trump’s unexpected election victory over Kamala Harris, raising questions about partisan bias within the department.

At a Glance

Biden-Harris State Department holds therapy sessions for employees after Trump’s win
Sessions themed “Managing Stress During Change” to help staff process election results
Critics view the initiative as evidence of partisan resistance within the State Department
The move highlights the emotional impact of political transitions on government employees

State Department’s Unusual Response to Election Results

In an unprecedented move, the Biden-Harris State Department has organized therapy sessions for its employees following Donald Trump’s election victory over Kamala Harris. The sessions, titled “Managing Stress During Change,” were facilitated by the department’s Employee Consultation Services, a division of the Bureau of Medical Services. This initiative has sparked debate about the political neutrality of career diplomats and the emotional toll of political transitions on government staff.

An internal email circulated within the State Department encouraged employees to attend these sessions to discuss their feelings about the election results. The therapy sessions were designed to provide a structured environment for staff to process emotions and develop strategies for personal stress management during this period of political change.

Criticism and Concerns

The decision to offer therapy sessions has not been without controversy. Critics argue that such measures reveal a deep-seated partisan bias within the State Department, potentially undermining its ability to serve objectively under different administrations. Some view this as evidence of resistance to serving under a Trump presidency.

“The State Department is filled with partisan Democrats who are unwilling or unable to faithfully serve in the Trump administration,” said a source briefed on the private discussions.

This perception is further reinforced by the department’s recent emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives under Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s leadership. While these programs aim to create a more inclusive workplace, some see them as politically motivated and potentially divisive.

The Broader Context of Political Stress

The State Department’s response to Trump’s victory is not occurring in isolation. Studies from 2017 to 2021 have highlighted the stress and anxiety caused by Trump’s previous presidency among certain segments of the population. The New England Journal of Medicine noted, “A large proportion of U.S. adults are stressed by the current political environment.”

“President Trump isn’t just dominating every news cycle, he’s fueling therapy sessions across the country. … [T]he Trump administration’s turbulent first two months appear to have created a collective angst, psychologists say,” reported The Oregonian.

This broader context of political stress may explain the State Department’s decision to offer support to its employees. However, it also raises questions about the department’s ability to maintain political neutrality and professionalism in the face of changing administrations.

Looking Ahead

As the nation prepares for another potential Trump presidency, the State Department’s response highlights the challenges of maintaining a nonpartisan civil service. The therapy sessions, while intended to support employee well-being, have inadvertently sparked a debate about the role of personal political beliefs in government service.

Moving forward, the State Department and other government agencies may need to strike a delicate balance between supporting employee mental health and maintaining the appearance of political neutrality. As one U.S. official with knowledge of the meetings stated, “This meeting was hopefully the last gasp of that,” referring to the emphasis on employees’ feelings over the work of advancing America’s interests.

The coming months will likely see increased scrutiny of the State Department’s practices and culture as it prepares for a potential transition to a new administration. The challenge will be to ensure that all employees, regardless of their personal political leanings, are prepared to serve the nation’s interests professionally and impartially under any elected leadership.