14.03.2025 23:20
In New York City, employees of federal agencies and their supporters, who were laid off as part of the Trump administration's austerity measures, held a protest in front of Federal Plaza. The protesters carried banners targeting Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
In New York City, employees laid off by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump as part of austerity measures, along with many supporters, carried banners reading "Fire Musk" in a protest held in front of Federal Plaza against Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Federal employees laid off in the U.S. due to austerity measures continue to protest. As reactions to President Donald Trump's austerity measures persist in many cities, especially in the capital Washington D.C., a large-scale protest was also held in front of Federal Plaza in New York.
"FIRE MUSK"
Protesters chanted slogans such as "The country's institutions are under attack" and "We will stand up and resist this," while holding banners that read "Fire Musk" and "Stop the Coup."
Protesters, who argue that the policies targeting the federal workforce led by Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which was established to carry out layoffs and limit hiring in public institutions in the U.S., are unconstitutional, described the government's actions during this process as a "corporate coup."
FEDERAL JUDGE'S DECISION TO STOP LAYOFFS
A federal judge issued a ruling yesterday in a lawsuit regarding layoffs, ordering the reinstatement of federal employees. The court also ordered the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to prove within 7 days that it offered reinstatement to all probationary employees laid off from the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Interior, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs. This decision is seen as a significant legal victory for thousands of laid-off federal employees.
WHITE HOUSE RESPONDS STRONGLY TO COURT RULING
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the federal judge overstepped his authority and intervened in the functioning of the executive branch. Leavitt said, "A single judge is trying to unlawfully seize the executive branch's authority to hire and fire. The President has the right to exercise all powers of the executive branch. If a federal district court judge wants to have executive powers, he can run for President."
While the White House argues that austerity measures are necessary for the economic stability of the U.S., it is noted that some parts of the DOGE program led by Musk may be reviewed due to the legal battles of federal employees.
TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES LAID OFF
As part of the policies implemented by DOGE, large-scale layoffs have occurred in major federal institutions such as the Departments of Education, Treasury, and State across the country, while it is claimed that newly appointed employees and some high-performing staff have also been dismissed. It is stated that a significant portion of the layoffs was carried out to reduce the size of the government, while some employees were reportedly terminated due to poor performance. However, many of those laid off claim they received feedback indicating their performance was good and argue that arbitrary layoffs have occurred under the guise of austerity.