Blinken Faces Scrutiny Over Counseling Sessions At State Department

Outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken is facing sharp criticism for hosting therapy sessions at the State Department after President-elect Donald Trump’s election win. Reports suggest the sessions, aimed at helping employees process Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss, were funded with taxpayer money.

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) denounced the sessions, describing them as a misuse of federal resources. In a letter to Blinken, Issa raised concerns about the Department’s priorities, stating that its mission should focus on policy implementation, not addressing partisan grievances.

An internal email circulated to State Department staff promoted the sessions as opportunities to manage stress during “challenging times.” Issa criticized this, arguing that such actions undermine public confidence in the Department’s neutrality. He also questioned whether employees participating in the sessions would support Trump’s foreign policy agenda.

Issa has demanded answers about the sessions’ costs and their purpose. He suggested that federal employees unwilling to execute the policies of the incoming administration should seek employment outside government service.

The incident has drawn backlash from conservative voices, who argue that the State Department’s actions reflect partisan bias. Critics contend that taxpayer dollars should not fund activities they view as politically motivated and unrelated to the Department’s mission.

This controversy highlights ongoing concerns about partisanship within federal agencies. Many conservatives are calling for increased oversight to ensure accountability and impartiality during transitions of power.

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