Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., criticized Secretary of State Antony Blinken for holding therapy sessions at the State Department for employees upset about President-elect Trump’s election victory.
In a letter to Blinken, Issa expressed concern that taxpayer-funded mental health counseling was being provided to federal employees who were distressed about the election outcome, stating, “I am concerned that the Department is catering to federal employees who are personally devastated by the normal functioning of American democracy through the provision of government-funded mental health counseling because Kamala Harris was not elected President of the United States.”
The letter followed a report by the Free Beacon detailing therapy sessions held at the State Department after Trump’s victory, with sources describing one session as an information “cry session.”
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Rep. Darrell Issa argued that the reported sessions were “disturbing.” (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Another report mentioned an email sent to agency employees promoting a webinar on stress management techniques after Trump’s victory.
In his letter, Issa called the reported sessions “disturbing” and emphasized that nonpartisan government officials should not be having a “personal meltdown” over election results.
President-elect Trump at a campaign event in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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Issa acknowledged the importance of the mental health of agency employees but questioned using taxpayer dollars for counseling related to the election. He demanded information on the number of sessions held, planned sessions, and the cost of such sessions.
He also raised concerns about the impact of these sessions on the agency’s ability to carry out Trump’s policies.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a ceremony on May 10, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
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The letter from Issa questioned the willingness of State Department employees to implement Trump’s policies and suggested that those who cannot follow through should resign and seek a political appointment in the next Democrat administration.
The State Department did not provide an immediate response to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
