Stephen Miller calls out men for working from their bathtubs

In a segment aired on Fox News on a Thursday night, Stephen Miller, who was appointed as the incoming Homeland Security adviser and White House deputy chief of staff for policy by President-elect Donald Trump, addressed an issue that had recently sparked outrage. The discussion was prompted by an Instagram post made by a Veterans Affairs worker in March 2023, which showed him relaxing in a bathtub while claiming it was his office for the day. The Fox News host, Jesse Watters, opened the topic by expressing his disapproval, suggesting that men should have outgrown bubble baths by the age of five. This statement set the stage for Miller's response on the evolving workplace-related norms amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent transitions in federal workforce policies initiated by President Joe Biden. As the pandemic necessitated more flexible work arrangements, the federal workforce grew accustomed to such liberties; however, recent discussions indicated a strong desire among some politicians to revert to more traditional office settings. Only a small portion of federal employees—reported at six percent—were working full-time from office spaces, while the rest enjoyed telecommuting benefits. Miller's remarks were particularly pointed as he asserted that the situation highlighted a growing disconnect between federal employees and the taxpayers who fund their salaries. Emphasizing the need for accountability, he indicated that government employees should focus more on their responsibilities rather than engaging in leisure activities while being paid by the public. The discussion also intertwined with ongoing plans by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, both of whom were exploring methods to enhance government efficiency. Miller made it clear that a new directive would be issued once Donald Trump took office, calling for a return to office work and an end to remote work policies that many federal employees had embraced. The Biden administration's approach to telework would be scrutinized, and those not willing to adapt could potentially face termination from their positions. Ultimately, Miller's comments reflected a broader sentiment among certain lawmakers eager to showcase a decisive shift in federal work culture and bring more rigorous expectations for government officials.