When the Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021, many American allies, including interpreters and Air Force personnel like Chris Wicker, faced immediate danger. Wicker, who served as an Air Force Intelligence officer, was one of several people assisted by Rep. Ilhan Omar’s office.
Omar, who represents Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, worked to secure safe passage for these individuals. Some were relocated to the U.K. and Colorado, while Wicker was the last to return home.
“Chris had three translators that he was working with in that urgent first stage, and we were able to assist in making sure they had the right documents, were in contact with the right people, and were able to get on planes, saving their lives and restoring their safety,” Omar recalled.
After returning to the U.S., Wicker landed a job as the deputy director of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Minneapolis branch, where he played a pivotal role in supporting local businesses.
“If you’ve ever set foot in the SBA office in downtown Minneapolis, you know that every single person there is passionate about this work,” Wicker said. “They want your business to succeed, even if it’s a crazy business idea.”
Wicker’s own entrepreneurial journey began in Kabul, where he started a cleaning business with SBA support. However, his career took a sudden turn when he was fired by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk.
“It is also a way of disrespect. It’s a way of neglecting our promise to veterans,” Omar said of the firing. “It’s a way of saying to the world that the United States is shamefully in the practice of making veterans unemployed, disrespected and disgraced.”
Wicker shared the details of his firing in an interview with MPR, explaining that he first learned of his termination through an email that lacked any personal touch. “It just said, ‘Please see the attachment for an update on your employment status,’” Wicker said. He was given two weeks’ notice, and while his termination was initially rescinded, it was clear his job was at risk.
“It was 4:30 in the evening,” Wicker said. “I had no choice but to close my laptop. And that was the end.”
Rep. Omar has raised concerns about the broader impact of cuts proposed under DOGE, especially in Minnesota, where they threaten small businesses and university research.“We’re hearing from worried U of M employees who rely on grants to do incredible research,” Omar said. “We’re hearing from small business entrepreneurs who will now have their resources delayed and their dreams denied. It’s been really a hard time for so many Minnesotans and so many people across the country.”
At the University of Minnesota, proposed funding cuts could reduce federal research grants by up to $130 million annually, which could delay advancements in medicine and health care.
“These cuts would impact crucial biomedical research and could delay lifesaving treatments,” said U of M President Rebecca Cunningham. A federal judge has temporarily blocked these cuts, but uncertainty remains.
The issue also highlights the growing influence of wealth on government policy. Critics argue that billionaires like Musk, who can now pour unlimited money into political campaigns following the Citizens United ruling, are using their financial power to shape policy in their favor.
“Elon Musk has turned his wealth into political power,” said Erin Chlopak, senior director for campaign finance at Citizens United. “He’s influencing who gets into government and who benefits from government decisions.”
U of M Law Professor Nick Bednar warned that DOGE’s push for special government employees — who can work for less than 60 days — could allow billionaires to avoid financial transparency. “These special employees have fewer reporting requirements, which is appealing to those who don’t want to disclose their financials,”
Bednar told “Wired” last month, “With agency approval, they can continue contracting with the government if they represent a corporation with many government contracts.”
As these proposed cuts and concerns continue to unfold, Wicker’s story serves as a stark reminder of the broader implications of government changes for federal workers, small business owners, and the communities that rely on them.
Clint Combs welcomes reader responses to ccombs@spokesman-recorder.com.