DOGE, Layoffs, and Resistance: The New Face of American Protest

Amid growing national unrest over recent federal workforce cuts and controversial leadership appointments, Austin became one of several cities where demonstrators took to the streets. A weekend rally at the Texas State Capitol brought together concerned citizens and lawmakers to voice opposition to the Trump Administration’s latest decisions—including the appointment of Elon Musk to lead a key federal department and sweeping layoffs within Health and Human Services, as reported by KXAN. The protest, part of a broader wave of action across the country, underscored mounting anxieties around the future of public services and economic stability. 

What began last week as a wave of protests against Elon Musk’s controversial role in laying off thousands of federal workers has now shifted focus toward the man who appointed him—President Donald Trump.

From New York to San Francisco, demonstrators flooded city streets once again under the “Hands Off!” banner, condemning what they describe as an administration intent on dismantling worker protections, union rights, and key public services. According to Business Insider, the tone of the protests has intensified, with chants like “Hands off our benefits!” and “Musk out now!” resonating across the country. In Austin, one protester held a sign that read: “He doesn’t own us.”

Across states, signs reflected overlapping fears about job insecurity, artificial intelligence, and retirement stability. Messages like “No AI layoffs,” “Hands off my pension,” and “Stop the DOGE” were common—referring to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), now overseen by Musk in his role as a special government employee.

In Texas, protest turnout surged throughout the week, with especially large and vocal crowds in major cities. In Houston, one demonstrator described Musk’s role as dangerous: “He’s not a public servant—he’s a businessman with no loyalty to workers.”

The crowd in Austin covered much of the area around the Capitol’s south steps. At one point, law enforcement estimated the crowd size to be at least 7,000—making it one of the largest anti-Trump administration events in Central Texas since the president returned to the White House in January, as reported by KVUE.

Much of the anger was focused on Musk and his efforts to fire federal workers and reduce the size of government. In his role in the U.S. government, Musk is a special government employee and oversees a team of people at the DOGE.

The Social Security Administration is preparing to lay off at least 7,000 people from its 60,000-person workforce. The impact these layoffs could have on the benefits of the 72.5 million Social Security beneficiaries remains unclear.

Despite the size and intensity of the protests, the Austin event remained peaceful. Organized by the 50501 Movement—an initiative promoting 50 protests in 50 states as one unified action—rally leaders have announced plans for future demonstrations.

As President Trump pushes forward with his economic agenda, including tariffs and federal restructuring, he has defended his administration’s actions, insisting they will boost manufacturing and safeguard programs like Medicare and Social Security.

Opponents, however, say they’re just getting started. Many now see the movement not just as a response to a few policies—but as a fight to protect the democratic and economic foundations of the country.