AUSTIN (KXAN) — Hundreds gathered at the Texas Capitol on Saturday to protest Elon Musk and the Trump Administration's actions as part of a series of protests across the nation.
The protest featured lawmakers such as State Senator Sarah Eckhardt and U.S Representatives Lloyd Doggett and Greg Ca
sar.
"We're here to say 'hands off' to Musk and Trump," Doggett said. "We want your hands off our democracy."
Elon Musk was appointed by President Trump to head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has aimed to lay off thousands of federal workers. This past week, the Trump Administration carried out mass layoffs across the Department of Health and Human Services, aiming to slash around 10,000 full-time jobs.
"Wanting to get rid of regular workers, I don't get it," said Lynn Lively, who was protesting at the rally. "We're going to have a bunch of unemployed people- how is that going to help anything?"
Some other protesters worried about how potential cuts could impact Medicaid and Medicare.
"I have two chronic illnesses that cost money to take [care] of, and I already spend several hundreds a month on private insurance," said Becky Reynolds, who was also protesting at the rally. "If I had to spend more, I spend almost a third of my Social Security on private insurance."
KXAN reached out to the Travis County Republican Party and the Republican National Committee for a statement regarding the protest in Austin. We will update this story if and when they choose to respond.
According to NBC News, in an email, White House Assistant Press Secretary Liz Huston said that Trump will "always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries," but also noted that the Democrats' stance "benefits illegal aliens."
This protest was one of many across the nation. In Boston and DC, thousands also gathered to speak out against Elon Musk and the Trump Administration.
"There's power in people," Lively said. "We need to go to the streets and show that we are not happy with what's going on." ...read more read less
