Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., took aim at Secretary of State Antony Blinken after it was reported that the State Department held therapy sessions for employees who were upset about President-elect Trump’s election victory.
“I am concerned that the Department is serving federal employees who are personally devastated by the normal functioning of American democracy by providing government-funded mental health counseling because Kamala Harris was not elected president of the United States,” Issa said in a letter to Blinken last week.
The letter comes after a Free Beacon report earlier this month that detailed two alleged therapy sessions that took place at the State Department after Trump’s victory, with sources telling the outlet that one of those instances amounted to an informational “scream session.”
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Representative Darrell Issa argued that the reported sessions were “disturbing.” (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
In another case, an email was sent to agency employees and promoted an “eye-opening webinar where we delve into effective stress management techniques to help you navigate these difficult times” after Trump’s victory, according to the report.
“Change is a constant in our lives, but it can often lead to stress and uncertainty,” the email said. “Join us for an insightful webinar where we will delve into effective stress management techniques to help you navigate these difficult times. This session will provide practical tips and strategies for managing stress and maintaining your well-being.”
In his letter to Blinken, Issa argued that the reported sessions were “disturbing” and that “nonpartisan government officials” should not suffer a “personal crisis over the outcome of a free and fair election.”
President-elect Trump at a campaign event in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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While the Republican lawmaker acknowledged that the mental health of agency employees was important, he questioned the use of taxpayer money to counsel those upset about the election, demanding answers about how many sessions have been held, how many more are planned and how much the sessions are costing the department.
Issa also expressed fears that the sessions could also call into question the willingness of some State Department employees to carry out Trump’s new vision for the agency.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a ceremony on May 10, 2024 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
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“The mere fact that the Department is hosting these sessions raises significant questions about the willingness of its staff to implement the legal policy priorities that the American people chose to pursue and implement President Trump,” the letter said. “The Trump administration has a mandate to bring about complete change in the foreign policy arena, and if foreign service officials cannot meet the preferences of the American people, they should resign and seek a political appointment in the next Democratic administration” .
The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
