A Missouri congressman found himself in the hot seat this week after telling federal workers who lost their jobs under the Trump administration that their layoffs were part of “God’s plan.”

Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) addressed a tense crowd at a town hall in Belton, Missouri, on Monday, where frustrated constituents challenged him over widespread federal job cuts. The layoffs stem from a sweeping government restructuring effort led by billionaire and major Republican donor Elon Musk, whom President Donald Trump appointed to lead the newly formed “Department of Government Efficiency.”

Musk has claimed that his cost-cutting measures—mass layoffs and freezing of congressionally approved spending—have saved $55 billion. However, a report from The Washington Post suggests this number is greatly exaggerated.

The backlash against these layoffs has been mounting, and Alford became the latest Republican lawmaker to face public outrage over the job losses. When asked about the situation, Alford struck a spiritual tone.

“Just because you have a government job doesn’t mean it’s a lifetime appointment like a Supreme Court,” he said. “So I would encourage anyone who finds themselves in this situation to realize that we are going to get this economy turning again. There are jobs available. God has a plan and purpose for your life.”

The comment did not sit well with many in attendance.

“We don’t want your God!” one woman shouted, while another attendee reportedly responded, “Our God is Christian!”

Ariel Mollhagen, a former probationary employee at the Natural Resources Conservation Service, attended the town hall and expressed her frustration over the cuts.

“This is like breaking things that were not easy to build and will not be easy to repair,” she said.

The town hall, held in a small coffee shop, drew about 75 people inside, with dozens more gathered outside. As the discussion continued, Alford acknowledged the hardships facing those who lost their jobs but maintained that such cuts were necessary.

“Government employees are going to be let go, and that’s just the reality,” he stated. “I feel bad that people have been let go; I understand that.”

Alford, who won reelection in November by a landslide, is unlikely to face political consequences in his deeply conservative district. However, the controversy highlights a growing divide between government employees, Trump administration policies, and the role of faith in political discourse.

For believers, Alford’s words may serve as a reminder of God’s sovereignty even in difficult times. Scripture assures us that God is always working for good, even when circumstances seem uncertain (Romans 8:28). Yet, for those facing financial hardship, his message may have felt like cold comfort.