Crowds infuriated by DOGE cuts, Medicaid fears protest House lawmakers’ district offices
House Republicans faced backlash from progressive groups last week, as Americans protested the GOP’s handling of government spending. At least six lawmakers saw demonstrations at their district offices during the President’s Day recess, while others were confronted during town hall events.
The protests largely centered around Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to cut $2 trillion in federal spending. Demonstrators expressed concern about potential cuts to Medicaid and other federal programs as GOP lawmakers work to enact President Trump’s agenda through budget reconciliation.
Protesters outside Rep. David Schweikert’s office in Arizona voiced fears about the government’s control of personal information. Outside Rep. Ken Calvert’s office in California, signs read, “You work for us, not Musk.” Constituents outside Rep. Scott Perry’s office in Pennsylvania pleaded with him not to touch Medicaid.
Lawmakers are seeking to cut billions in federal spending to offset the costs of extending Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, border security, and national defense priorities. Rep. Perry stated that he supports the right to protest and will consider the concerns of his district as he determines his vote.
Other Republicans who faced protests included Reps. Mike Lawler, Ryan Mackenzie, and Bryan Steil. Rep. Rich McCormick faced critics at a town hall event. Progressive groups like Indivisible encouraged activists to protest during the recess, accusing Republicans of complicity in Trump and Musk’s actions.
Left-wing groups like Working Families Power and Opportunity Wisconsin organized demonstrations outside Rep. Steil’s office. The protests reflect growing discontent among Americans over government spending and the influence of Elon Musk’s efficiency efforts.
Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, covered the demonstrations and protests. The events highlight the ongoing debate over government spending and fiscal solvency in the United States. Demonstrators are calling on lawmakers to prioritize the needs of their constituents and address concerns about potential cuts to essential programs.
