This Daily podcast episode focuses on the impact of President Trump's administration's actions on federal employees. The podcast features interviews with numerous anonymous and identified federal workers who describe their experiences with firings, buyouts ("fork in the road" emails), and the chilling atmosphere created by the administration's policies. Specific examples include the immediate termination of employees involved in DEI initiatives and the targeting of probationary employees. The episode highlights the human cost of these policies, showcasing the emotional distress and uncertainty faced by those affected, and raises questions about the long-term consequences of such drastic workforce reductions. The episode also briefly touches on the improving US-Russia relations.