Trump Lauds Government Employees in Kickoff to Public Service Recognition Week

At the beginning of the annual Public Service Recognition Week, President Trump on Saturday issued a proclamation praising government employees and the work they do on behalf of the country. 

"Each day, millions of government employees serve their fellow citizens, and we as a Nation recognize the valuable role they play in our communities," the president's proclamation stated. "From the law enforcement officers and border patrol agents who keep our country safe and secure to those who work in education, healthcare, transportation, and other public service careers, civil servants ensure government works for the American people. "

"In often difficult circumstances, our civil servants respond to natural disasters, search for cures for diseases, protect information networks, and improve quality of life for their fellow Americans," Trump went on. "They remain focused on their mission of serving and protecting."

The president also praised his administration's efforts to make government work better. "By removing unnecessary regulations and streamlining internal agency processes, we have helped eliminate barriers that stand in the way of Federal employees’ efforts to do their jobs.  We have also made it easier for the Federal Government to hire more military spouses, and we are giving a second chance to those with a criminal history," he wrote.

The proclamation contrasts with some of Trump's previously expressed views regarding federal employees. For example, in January, during the historically long government shutdown and federal employee furloughs, the president shared a Daily Caller article by an anonymous administration official saying that few federal employees get much done. 

"On an average day, roughly 15 percent of the employees around me are exceptional patriots serving their country," the writer said. "I wish I could give competitive salaries to them and no one else. But 80 percent feel no pressure to produce results. If they don’t feel like doing what they are told, they don’t."

"Furloughed employees should find other work, never return and not be paid," the writer concluded.

Public Service Recognition Week, created in 1985, is celebrated from May 5-11 this year.