Fired USDA worker: We want our country to love us back
Share and Follow


() There have been thousands of job cuts at federal agencies by the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency.

People have been fired from the Centers for Disease Control despite ongoing concerns over the bird flu, the Forest Service despite recent wildfires and recently the Internal Revenue Service in the midst of tax season.

Around 2,000 jobs were cut from the United States Department of Agriculture. One of the positions cut was that of Air Force veteran Derek Copeland, who was fired 11 days from his one-year mark at the agency.

While at the USDA, Copeland trained agriculture detection dogs and their handlers on how to operate in all environments to safeguard agriculture from invasive species and diseases.

“In the area that I work, we don’t get paid with tax dollars. We’re user fees,” Copeland said. “So that’s one misconception that I think people really don’t understand.”

Federal workers were told they were fired based on their “performance,” but Copeland said he had gotten praise from his supervisor and even a letter of recommendation saying he was one of the best trainers his boss ever had.

“There’s a lot of good things that we’re doing at the agency to improve efficiency as well. And so there’s obviously a huge disconnect somewhere with what’s going on,” Copeland said.

As a veteran, Copeland said, he was one of many who raised their hand to protect their country.

“A lot of us wanted to continue that in federal government,” Copeland said. “We don’t ask for much. We love our country, and all we ask in return is that it love us back and not have us be thrown out like a piece of trash when they’re done with us.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
She was terrified of school shootings. Now she's fled America.

From Fear to Flight: Escaping America’s School Shooting Epidemic

An American mom who moved her family to Spain has lifted the lid…
Chicago NASCAR race: 3rd annual NASCAR Chicago Street Race takes off in Grant Park for 2nd day with Cup Series race

NASCAR Chicago Street Race: Cup Series event continues for 2nd day in Grant Park

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago’s third annual NASCAR Street Race will hit the…
Amount you need for a 'minimum quality of life' in America revealed

Revealed: the required amount for a basic standard of living in the United States

A family-of-four needs to earn over $100,000 a year just to maintain…
American with 'CIA' credentials and variety of weapons arrested in Mexico

American with ‘CIA’ credentials and variety of weapons arrested in Mexico

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! An American national with…
Jacksonville travelers return home smoothly following July 4th

Jacksonville vacationers had a smooth journey back home after July 4th

JAX Airport smoothly handled a surge of travelers during the busiest Fourth…
Camp Mystic director died while trying to save campers from Texas floods

Director of Camp Mystic dies attempting to rescue campers during Texas flooding

Dick Eastland, longtime owner and director of Camp Mystic, was described as…
Trump tells Elon Musk to 'have fun' starting the America Party

Trump encourages Elon Musk to enjoy himself as he launches the America Party

President Donald Trump criticized Elon Musk’s new venture as ‘ridiculous’ and expressed…
Nantucket property wars after man 'cuts down neighbor's trees'

Nantucket Property Dispute Erupts Over Alleged Tree Cutting by Neighbor

A property feud has erupted on a wealthy Massachusetts island after a…