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Donald Trump's return-to-office mandate for federal workers has faced fresh criticism as his own remote working practices and frequent golfing trips come under scrutiny.
The President ordered federal employees back to the office early in his second term, declaring remote working unproductive.
"Nobody’s going to work from home, they’re going to be going out, they’re going to play tennis, they’re going to play golf. They’re going to do a lot of things. They’re not working," Trump said in February.
Within days of issuing the directive, however, Trump spent nearly a week at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where he signed executive orders and held a press conference. He also golfed four times during the same period.
Federal employees have voiced frustration over what they describe as a double standard, particularly as Trump’s trips are estimated to have cost taxpayers $18million so far this year.
One employee at the Department of Education said Trump's actions highlighted an unequal power dynamic. "This all fits in so perfectly to the power dynamics installed by this administration, a dynamic where Trump does what he wants, to who he wants, without repercussions.”
Impact on workforce morale
The mandate, combined with the government’s significant job cuts, is contributing to staff unrest.
Under Trump’s leadership, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has already slashed tens of thousands of federal jobs. Critics argue that the campaign to reduce the workforce is demoralizing employees and destabilizing public services.
A Veterans Affairs employee noted that some staff are being forced to quit due to the return-to-office order, while others are scrambling to sell their homes or arrange extended childcare to manage their longer commutes.
"Everyone built their lives around these remote positions," said the VA employee. "My supervisor lives in Florida and was hired as a remote employee. She can’t relocate.”
Other employees say remote working has improved productivity, not harmed it. One Health and Human Services worker argued that those working from home are delivering better results by avoiding lengthy commutes.
Frequent travel fuels frustration
Meanwhile, Trump's regular trips to Mar-a-Lago and other properties have fuelled accusations of hypocrisy. Analysis shows Trump has spent five of his seven weekends in Florida, often golfing during those stays. Critics point out that while demanding greater accountability from federal employees, Trump’s travel costs are mounting.
"He is not just going to his home," said Noah Bookbinder, president of watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. "He’s going to the business that he owns. Every time he makes a trip, that brings money into his business, which puts money in his pockets.”
Bookbinder added that the situation is particularly ironic given Trump’s vocal calls to cut government waste.
Despite his stance on remote working, previous presidents have often worked from home as well. Joe Biden frequently visited his Delaware residence, and Barack Obama vacationed in Hawaii.
Trump previously criticized such trips, however, once promising that he would "stay in the White House and work my a**e off.”
With federal employees continuing to voice concern over the mandate, observers warn that the policy may undermine morale, recruitment, and retention in key government roles.
