In an unprecedented move, two career federal civil servants have released an open letter to the American public, directly addressing growing concerns adn misconceptions about their roles. The letter, penned by individuals identifying themselves as Jane and John Q., aims to dispel the notion that federal employees are “enemies” of the people they serve. Released on February 27, 2025, the public servants emphasize their dedication to upholding American values and ensuring the smooth operation of the government for the benefit of all citizens. Citing concerns for potential retaliation, Jane and John Q. have chosen to remain unnamed, but their message resonates with a plea for understanding and respect.

The letter opens with a direct address: “Dear fellow Americans.” It immediately establishes the authors’ identity and purpose: “We are your career federal civil servants. We work for you.” This straightforward declaration sets the tone for a message intended to bridge the gap between the government and the people it serves.

The authors highlight the diverse roles and responsibilities of federal civil servants, emphasizing their commitment to protecting and serving the nation in various capacities. from supporting military operations on foreign fields to ensuring the safety of food and water, these employees play a crucial role in the daily lives of Americans.

The letter details the wide range of services provided by federal employees, illustrating their dedication to the well-being of the nation. They “risk our lives on foreign fields of battle, supporting military operations,” and “keep an eye on countries and terrorists that wish us harm.” Furthermore, they “risk our lives protecting you and your property as members of law enforcement and fire services” and “head into disaster areas to assist in your recovery.” These statements underscore the personal sacrifices and dedication of federal employees in ensuring national security and public safety.

Beyond safety and security, the letter emphasizes the role of federal employees in promoting economic stability and social welfare. They “help farmers and ranchers put food on your tables” and “are your emissaries in foreign lands, representing the best of American values to include enabling the delivery of health care, medicines and food to the poorest of the world’s poor.” They also “fight for your employee rights, including workplace safety” and “enforce the laws of the land and help facilitate justice by supporting prosecutors and judges.” these roles highlight the multifaceted contributions of federal employees to both domestic and international well-being.

The authors underscore the importance of federal oversight in ensuring the quality and safety of essential goods and services. “We ensure your prescription drugs, food and drinking water are safe,” they write, highlighting the critical role of regulatory agencies in protecting public health.They also point out that “America is the recognized world leader in cutting-edge medical research and technology as federal employees provide and oversee federal grants to our top medical research universities.” This emphasizes the significant role of federal employees in advancing scientific progress and public health.

Infrastructure and transportation safety are also key areas of focus for federal employees. According to the letter,”We ensure that highway projects are designed and finished with your families’ safety in mind” and “ensure our sovereign airspace,waterways and railroads are safe for commerce and travel.” The letter also notes the contributions of federal scientists and engineers who “help launch marvels of technology into space and help maintain the orbits of the constellations of satellites that keep us connected, informed, entertained and get us safely to our destinations.” These statements illustrate the critical role of federal employees in maintaining and advancing the nation’s infrastructure and technological capabilities.

The letter also addresses the role of federal employees in providing social services and support to vulnerable populations. “In America, we minister to the poor, sick and hungry as social workers and medical staff,” the authors state. They also “provide medical care and treatment to our veterans because that is America’s obligation to them and their families for their sacrificial service” and “ensure your Social Security and medicare benefits are paid.” These roles highlight the commitment of federal employees to supporting those in need and honoring the sacrifices of veterans.

Environmental stewardship is another critical aspect of federal service highlighted in the letter. Federal employees “maintain and preserve the natural beauty of our national parks, monuments and forests for your recreation, respite and wonder” and “make sure your lakes, rivers, seashores and the air you breathe are safe and clean.” They also “help hold private industry accountable when they fail to look out for our health and welfare.” This underscores the importance of federal employees in protecting the environment and ensuring public health.

The authors emphasize the role of federal regulation in promoting responsible commerce and financial stability. “We facilitate responsible commerce by regulating the banks, insurance companies and commodities and equities markets so that you continue to prosper,” they write.”We back mortgages so you can afford to buy homes for your families.” These statements highlight the role of federal employees in maintaining a stable and prosperous economy.

The letter emphasizes the shared values and experiences of federal employees and the broader American public. “We are your neighbors, friends and family,” the authors assert. “We attend services with you at the same houses of worship,and while there,eat with you at the same table. We come from poor and well-to-do families from all backgrounds.”

The authors highlight their involvement in community activities, demonstrating their commitment to the well-being of their neighbors. “You may have met us serving as doctors and nurses tending to your elderly and combat-wounded relatives in your local communities’ veterans’ hospitals and clinics,” they write. “We chat with you on the sidelines of our children’s sporting events and cheer with you when your child makes a great play.” They also “volunteer our time and talents for and donate money to the same charities and causes you support” and “are your children’s chaperones during field trips because we care as much for the safety of your children as our own.” These examples illustrate the deep connections between federal employees and their communities.

The letter concludes with a plea for mutual respect and understanding. The authors express their disappointment that many Americans view them as adversaries,emphasizing their oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies,foreign and domestic.” They state, “Therefore, valuing the sacred trust and the responsibilities you have vested in us, we are disheartened that many of you think we are part of a plot that works against your interests.”

They reiterate their commitment to serving the nation, stating, “Most of us heeded a call to serve because we love this country and what it represents as much as you and wanted to give back. The hard work we do, we do on your behalf. When you doubt our commitment, please keep this in mind. The most significant thing we do is to keep the federal government operating so you can continue to reap the abundant blessings of everything our great country has to offer.”

The letter ends with a call for civility and compromise: “Please treat all with dignity and respect by taking the moral high ground. We are not your enemies. Let us get back to civil discourse and compromise. If we can do that, our country will continue to flourish as the beacon of hope and liberty it has been as its founding.”

The letter is signed “Sincerely, Jane and John Q., public servants.”

We have taken a solemn oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

The authors included a disclaimer, stating: “The authors are career federal civil servants and wish to be unnamed out of concern for retaliation.Our opinions are our own and do not represent the official views of our agencies or the United States Government. However, we believe the values expressed by us are also yours.”