On Easter Sunday, US Department of Agriculture secretary Brooke Rollins sent an email to the entire agency exclaiming “He has risen!” The message, calling Jesus Christ's story the 'greatest ever', prompted outrage among employees who felt it was inappropriate for a government official to promote faith.

The incident highlights a broader trend of overt religious rhetoric in federal agencies since President Donald Trump’s return to office. An executive order established official Faith Offices across departments, allowing staff to proselytise and host worship services—moves that have alarmed many.

At the Department of Labor, monthly prayer services hosted by Kenneth Wolfe, director of the agency's faith centre, have sparked further controversy. Alveda King, a senior adviser on faith at USDA, encouraged employees to focus on Christianity during one such service, remarking that those with no faith are 'of greater concern'.

In response, federal workers report feeling uncomfortable and even threatened by these religious intrusions in their workplace. Recent data shows only 22.5% of federal workers believe they can report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation.