Staffers at the Democratic National Committee erupted in frustration over the party’s new mandate requiring them to work in-person five days a week, calling the move “shocking” and “callous.”
DNC Chairman Ken Martin told employees during an all-staff meeting on Wednesday that all Washington, D.C.–based staff will be required to return to full in-person work starting in February.
“It was shocking to see the DNC chair disregard staff’s valid concerns on today’s team call,” the DNC staff union leadership angrily voiced in a statement. “DNC staff worked extremely hard to support historic wins for Democrats up and down the ballot last Tuesday, and this change feels especially callous considering the current economic conditions created by the Trump administration.”
A DNC official told The New York Post that Martin added that workers would still have flexibility for family, medical, and other personal needs that justify remote work. He argued that Democrats have momentum after last week’s off-year elections and said in-person collaboration helps with brainstorming and making fast, time-sensitive decisions. Martin also stressed that the 2025 off-year cycle differs from the 2026 midterms, when states and the Democratic Party will rely even more heavily on the DNC for support.
Backlash was immediate, with remote staff flooding the Zoom call with thumbs-down reactions and pressing Martin with questions, according to the New York Times. Some workers argued that Democrats won the 2020 election while operating remotely and could do the same again in 2028.
Outside observers found the DNC infighting amusing, as Democratic operatives mocked the backlash over returning to in-person work.
“If you think democracy is on the line – working in the office is not a big ask. And there are plenty of other people willing to step up. Get yourselves together people,” Neera Tanden, who was a senior adviser to former President Joe Biden, wrote on X in response to the controversy.
“Everyone should work a traditional campaign before doing a PAC/committee,” said Monica Venzke, House communications director at the liberal American Bridge 21st Century super PAC.
GOP allies also commented on the return-to-work drama at the DNC.
“This is hilarious. DNC staffers are ‘shocked’ at being expected to show up to work during a midterm campaign cycle,” said Republican National Committee press secretary Kiersten Pels. “Is this a political committee or a daycare?”
“DNC staffers are melting down after being told they actually have to show up to work again for the first time in five years,” National Republican Congressional Committee press secretary Mike Marinella quipped.
DNC staffers are melting down after being told they actually have to show up to work again for the first time in five years https://t.co/M9iUI0f1gJ pic.twitter.com/OnWTcVGZ7p
— Mike Marinella (@mike_marinella) November 13, 2025
