Feb 21, 2025, 15:38 IST Share Large Activists protested outside SpaceX's Washington, D.C., office against federal job cuts implemented by the Trump administration. The layoffs, influenced by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have led to job insecurity for many public sector employees. Union leaders warn that these cuts could severely impact essential government services, and further demonstrations are planned. On Wednesday evening, a large group of activists gathered outside SpaceX's Washington, D.C., office to protest recent federal job cuts announced by the Trump administration. The demonstration, which blocked traffic in front of the aerospace company's headquarters, was a result of mounting frustration over government layoffs. The protest followed a march that began at Federal Triangle and concluded at 11th and F Street Northwest. The demonstrators, including former federal employees and labor union members, held signs criticizing Elon Musk’s influence in the current administration. One protester’s sign read, "No one voted for Elon Musk," referencing his role in establishing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been central to recent budget cuts. These layoffs have disproportionately affected employees in various government agencies, including the National Park Service. Union organizers have called for continued protests, highlighting the adverse impact of these job cuts on essential public services such as housing, environmental conservation, and historical preservation. As tensions escalate, the movement against these workforce reductions continues to gain traction. Elon Musk faces heat as federal layoffs spark protests at SpaceX HQ The primary catalyst for Wednesday’s demonstration was the Trump administration’s implementation of extensive federal job cuts. These layoffs, reportedly part of a broader effort to reduce government spending, have led to uncertainty and distress among public sector employees. Tiffany Montes, a former National Park Service worker, shared her frustration and disappointment after being unexpectedly dismissed from her role in historic preservation. Despite two years of dedicated service as an intern and securing a permanent position, she received a termination email on Friday. “I feel like I’ve just been broken up with by my country almost. It’s heartbreaking,” Montes told NBC News. She further expressed disbelief at the justification for her termination. “To go into my emails and read that I was let go because I had failed at my duties, it just felt like the biggest insult in my life because I know I didn’t fail at my duties.” Montes was among hundreds of National Park Service employees dismissed under the new measures. The National Park Service plays a crucial role in maintaining historical landmarks, including the White House, and the job cuts have raised concerns about the potential neglect of these important sites. Paul Osadebe, a representative of the Federal Unionists Network, emphasized the risks posed by these job losses. “At my agency, they’re canceling the contracts that help people do housing inspections, to have safe and livable housing. That’s the type of thing that they’re calling waste and fraud and abuse,” he stated. Union leaders have warned that these cuts could have severe consequences for government services, affecting infrastructure, housing, and public safety. Elon Musk’s role and the formation of DOGE Elon Musk has gained significant influence within the Trump administration since Donald Trump assumed the presidency last month. One of his most controversial moves was the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency tasked with reducing federal spending. DOGE's primary goal is to streamline government operations and eliminate what it deems unnecessary expenditures. However, critics argue that its aggressive cost-cutting measures have led to the indiscriminate removal of employees essential to public services. Protesters outside SpaceX's office held Musk accountable for his role in implementing these workforce reductions. Many view his growing political influence as a concern, particularly since the agency’s budget reduction strategy has resulted in widespread job insecurity. Extent of the job cuts and government justification The Trump administration has justified the job cuts as necessary for achieving fiscal responsibility. DOGE has outlined a plan to reduce federal spending by $2 trillion within the next year. To facilitate this process, DOGE previously sent mass emails to over two million federal employees, offering a voluntary resignation program. Those who accepted the offer were promised continued salary and benefits through September of this year. However, the administration had warned that if an insufficient number of employees opted for voluntary resignation, involuntary layoffs would follow. As a result, mass terminations were implemented across multiple agencies, affecting thousands of workers. The administration argues that these cuts will lead to a leaner, more efficient government, though critics contend that the measures disproportionately impact lower-level employees while leaving higher-ranking officials unaffected. Ongoing protest movements and future plans In response to the job cuts, activist groups and labor unions have vowed to continue their demonstrations. The Federal Unionists Network, the organization behind Wednesday’s protest, has planned a mutual aid event on Friday evening to provide support for affected workers. Union leaders anticipate further demonstrations in the coming weeks, particularly as more workers begin to feel the effects of the layoffs. Protesters have also urged lawmakers to intervene and reconsider the restructuring efforts led by DOGE. Also read |