US Senator Lisa Murkowski criticized Trump for dismissing federal employees and suspending federal payments, calling the moves destructive and unnecessary. In her annual speech to Alaska lawmakers, she criticized the administration’s approach to government downsizing.
In Alaska, probationary employees were ordered to be reinstated after a federal judge declared their terminations unlawful. Meteorologists, federal land managers, and fisheries biologists were affected.
In the meantime, more than $1 billion in federal funding, including investments in renewable energy, is still in limbo. Murkowski told legislators she supports a smaller government but opposes the administration’s indiscriminate approach.
She said federal workers face job insecurity, and communities suffer from missing essential employees. The Senator condemned the firing for disregarding worker performance and local needs.
Murkowski also criticized the Trump administration for freezing federal funds and affecting critical projects. If the government releases the funds later, costs will increase, and layoffs will still occur.
The Senator urged a more strategic approach rather than blanket spending reductions. She also resisted proposed Medicaid cuts that could fund tax reductions. Alaskan lawmakers fear these cuts would increase the state deficit and limit healthcare access.
Murkowski called for thoughtful Medicaid reforms instead of slashing the program outright. Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom praised Murkowski’s honesty, while House Speaker Bryce Edgmon called the speech realistic and forward-looking.
House Minority Leader Mia Costello supported Trump’s economic agenda but acknowledged disruptions. Some Republican lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Mike Shower, backed Trump’s government downsizing efforts.
Despite her criticism, Murkowski aligned with Trump in expanding Alaska’s resource sector. She welcomed federal support for a North Slope natural gas pipeline and urged state officials to stay engaged. However, she warned that Alaska risks losing infrastructure funds without a solid transportation plan and urged state leaders to act before losing a rare opportunity.
This news article was originally published by Anchorage Daily News.
