Honks in Sterling elicit cheers, but Tuesday’s audience expected much more. They hoped to convey a message to President Donald Trump, demanding that Elon Musk be removed as a special advisor.
“What is wrong is that someone who was not elected is affecting your daily life,” said protester Ricardo Montanez.
It was an issue shared by nearly 200 people at Tuesday’s rally. Organizers say attendance increased “organically,” after only six people attended the first event two weeks ago.
“People are afraid,” added Cat Clarke, another protester.
The raw emotions following Musk’s first month as head of the Department of Government Efficiency. It aims to reduce government waste and has already eliminated thousands of jobs.
“This is to ensure that federal workers are not ripping off American taxpayers,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. “That they are showing up to the office and that they are doing their job.”
“Are certain departments overstaffed? Yeah. Consider their mission, what they require, and whether they can accomplish it with fewer people. But figure it out, don’t just say, ‘Hey, I’m going to cut,'” said Toni Vella, a former naval auditor.
While Sterling’s protesters disagree with the new practices, congressional leaders believe it is the change that many Americans have requested.
“We listened to the American people, who said they wanted change. “And buckle up, because that is exactly what we are giving them,” said Michigan Republican Rep. Lisa McClain.
According to organizers, the next protest will take place near the Grandon Civic Center on March 7 at 3:30 p.m. The turnout increased dramatically between the first and second events, and protesters hope to see even more in two Fridays.
