Mass layoffs at the Treasury Department’s Bureau of Fiscal Service (BFS) in Parkersburg, West Virginia, have sparked backlash among some of former President Donald Trump’s strongest supporters. Over 125 employees were dismissed in February as part of the administration’s broader government downsizing, causing economic uncertainty in a community that overwhelmingly voted for Trump in the last election. 

Jennifer Piggott, a long-time Trump supporter, was among those let go. "Nobody that I've talked to understood the devastation that having this administration in office would do to our lives," she said, adding that she would not have backed Trump had she known the consequences of these cuts.

The layoffs stem from cost-cutting measures led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk. While the White House argues that reducing government spending is essential to combating waste and fraud, critics say the job losses will devastate local economies reliant on federal employment.

Despite Trump winning 70% of West Virginia’s vote, some of his supporters now question whether the administration’s approach is too aggressive. Parkersburg state legislator Scot Heckert warned that BFS layoffs could "devastate" the local economy, particularly since BFS jobs are among the highest-paying in the region. Still, some residents support the administration’s efforts. "People voted for Donald Trump to make a change," Heckert acknowledged. 

"It’s an unfortunate thing in our community that is plagued with many issues as it is." A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that Trump’s approval rating remains steady at 44%, suggesting that while the cuts have angered some, his overall political standing remains largely unaffected.

Parkersburg, a city of 29,000, has faced economic challenges for decades, with major employers leaving and manufacturing jobs declining. The BFS facility had been a source of stability, but with more layoffs expected, local business owners fear reduced consumer spending. 

Wayne Waldeck, co-owner of the historic Blennerhassett Hotel, said his business is already scaling back hiring in anticipation of an economic downturn. 

"It’s a major economic disaster for our community," he said, likening the job losses to a factory shutdown. Similarly, Parkersburg Brewing, a popular local bar, expects revenue to drop as former BFS employees tighten their budgets. "They had the extra money to spend in places like this, and now a percentage of that is lost," said manager Samantha Gibbs.

The cuts have also hit military veterans, who make up a significant portion of the federal workforce. Among them is Chauncy James, who lost his job at BFS despite multiple promotions.