Overview
- Federal employees describe a rise in workplace religious activity and say they fear retaliation if they object, with WIRED citing a drop in workers who feel safe reporting wrongdoing from 71.9% in 2024 to 22.5% in 2025.
- At the Department of Agriculture, Secretary Brooke Rollins sent an agency-wide Easter message praising Jesus, prompting USDA employee and union leader Ethan Roberts to file a complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel.
- The Labor Department has held monthly worship services in its offices, where Alveda King told staff she was more concerned about people with no faith, a remark some employees viewed as a slight against nonbelievers.
- At the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed monthly worship services and led prayers for victory in Jesus’ name, including language asking that enemies face eternal damnation.
- Under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the department backed religious vaccine exemptions, expanded funding for faith-based addiction care, and allowed early leave tied to Good Friday observance.