Fired Louisiana Federal Employee to join Congressman Carter for Trump’s First Address to a Joint Session of Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tomorrow, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) will be joined by Chanté Powell as his guest to Donald Trump’s Address to a Joint Session of Congress. Ms. Powell was fired from the USDA National Finance Center (USDA-NFC) in New Orleans by the Musk-Trump Administration that has directly harmed federal employees like her across the country.

Chante Powell’s career took an unexpected turn when, after securing an auditor position with the USDA-NFC in her hometown of New Orleans, she was laid off on Valentine’s Day, a devastating blow to her and her family. She was hired to be a watchdog for waste, fraud, and abuse, the very thing Musk and Trump “allegedly” want to root out of government. Their actions are in conflict.

After taking office on January 20, Donald Trump immediately handed the keys of our federal government to Elon Musk. Now, Trump is coming to address a Joint Session of Congress so he can demand the Republican Majority push through his extreme budget proposal to cut Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and critical programs American families count on.

“I am proud to take Chanté Powell to the Joint Address to Congress to share her story—one of resilience, hard work, and dedication to public service,” said Rep. Carter. “Unfortunately, under the Musk-Trump Administration, many federal employees, like Chanté, have faced unjust hardships. Their decisions have caused widespread instability in the workforce, leading to cruel layoffs and uncertainty for hardworking Americans who contribute to their communities via public service. Democrats are prioritizing policies that protect and uplift federal workers, ensuring they are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve. Clearly, Donald Trump and Elon Musk are not.”

“I sincerely thank Congressman Carter for the invitation to attend the Joint Address. As a recently laid-off federal employee, I hope to shed light on the real impact of job instability on the lives of hardworking and dedicated public servants,” said Chanté Powell. “Witnessing the President speak is a powerful reminder that the decisions made at the highest levels of government directly affect hardworking federal employees and their families. I stand here to represent the thousands facing uncertainty, hoping for solutions that protect those who dedicate their careers to serving this country. I am hopeful that my presence will magnify their voices for the stability and security they deserve.”

Background:

Chanté Powell, an Algiers, Louisiana native born on November 11, 1986, has overcome significant challenges to build a remarkable career dedicated to public service and education. After moving frequently as a child due to her mother's marriage to a Navy officer, Chanté returned to New Orleans to live with her father and graduated as an honor student from Warren Easton Fundamental High School. She pursued higher education at the University of New Orleans, earning dual bachelor’s degrees in accounting and business administration, followed by an MBA from Florida A&M University.

Chante’s professional journey spans various levels of government, where she has held roles including Accountant, HR Specialist, Auditor, Management Advisor, and Chief Auditor. Her public service efforts include serving on the Board of Trustees under two New Orleans mayors, advocating for city employee raises, and volunteering with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She also worked on public safety initiatives and served on the Parent Advisory Council for the New Orleans Public School Board’s Superintendent. As a Healthcare Regulatory Compliance & Privacy Professional at Ochsner Health, she contributed to one of the largest healthcare providers in the Southeast.

In 2024, Chante joined the Office of Inspector General – General Services Administration as a Performance Auditor, marking a significant achievement in her career, especially given the rarity of such federal opportunities in her hometown. Despite facing adversity, including being unexpectedly laid off from a GS-13 position at USDA-NFC in New Orleans, Chante remains committed to her community, focusing on inspiring young people, advocating for workforce stability, and continuing her personal journey of growth and resilience. Through her experiences, Chante has become a strong advocate for the American Dream, emphasizing the importance of education and career opportunities for all.

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