On Presidents’ Day, February 17, 2025, over 10,000 protesters rallied in New York City to voice their opposition to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a controversial government agency led by Elon Musk. The protests, which spanned several major cities across the U.S., were sparked by concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of Musk, an unelected billionaire, and his unprecedented access to sensitive government data.
The protesters gathered in Washington Square Park, a central location in the city, to raise their voices against Musk’s influence on the U.S. government. At the heart of the protests were issues related to DOGE’s sweeping reforms, which include mass layoffs of federal workers, the dismantling of critical government programs, and Musk’s control over key functions of federal agencies. The protesters fear that these actions represent an alarming shift toward an unchecked concentration of power within the hands of a single individual with significant financial interests.
Protesters were particularly concerned about Musk’s access to sensitive personal data. Dmitri, a 53-year-old architect who spoke with TechCrunch, described the situation as “extremely dangerous,” emphasizing that Musk’s control over sensitive data, such as Social Security records and tax refunds, poses significant privacy risks. “He’s kind of a futurist fanboy who’s living in a sci-fi fantasy and trying to implement that, and he has the resources to do mass amounts of damage,” Dmitri added, questioning Musk’s qualifications to handle such sensitive information.
The protest also highlighted the broader public unease about Musk’s influence over industries that are directly tied to his businesses, including Tesla and SpaceX. Musk’s attempts to reduce government regulations that impact his companies, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), were a focal point for many demonstrators. Critics argue that Musk’s efforts to eliminate agencies that regulate financial services and space exploration serve his personal and corporate interests, further consolidating power in ways that could undermine public trust and safety.
At the heart of the protests was the argument that Musk’s rise to power within the government is undemocratic. “No one voted for Musk,” said Tom, a 55-year-old retired teacher. He expressed concern that Trump’s executive order to create DOGE, granting Musk the power to oversee vast portions of the federal bureaucracy, bypassed democratic processes. Protesters shared a similar sentiment, arguing that Musk’s actions have been undertaken without public consent and with minimal transparency. The sheer scale of Musk’s influence—particularly his ability to fire thousands of federal workers and reshape government priorities—has raised alarms about the potential for corruption, inefficiency, and a disregard for public needs.
Since DOGE’s creation, under the directive of former President Trump, the agency has initiated significant reductions in the federal workforce, firing nearly 10,000 government employees. These cuts have impacted essential government functions, including the management of federal lands, veterans’ care, and public health programs. Additionally, Musk’s team has slashed federal contracts related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs, sparking further backlash from those who see these cuts as detrimental to marginalized communities. The reduction in the size of the federal workforce has left many Americans worried about the loss of critical services and the erosion of trust in the federal government.
The actions of DOGE have also raised legal questions, particularly regarding data privacy and the legality of Musk’s control over the Treasury Department’s digital payments system. The system manages trillions of dollars in payments to Americans, including Social Security benefits, tax refunds, and other forms of financial assistance. Legal experts have raised concerns about Musk’s lack of proper security clearances and questioned whether he should have such extensive access to this system without appropriate oversight.
In addition to the concerns about data privacy, protesters are alarmed by Musk’s stance on government regulation. Musk has made it clear that he intends to target several agencies that regulate industries in which his companies operate. He has called for the elimination of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), an agency that oversees SpaceX, and has advocated for the end of rules requiring automakers to report crashes involving autonomous vehicles. Musk’s stance on deregulation, combined with his growing control over the federal bureaucracy, has fueled fears of increased corporate influence over government policy, especially as it relates to industries where Musk’s companies are key players.
Protesters were not limited to one particular political faction, with a broad range of Americans expressing their discontent. Victoria, a 37-year-old teacher, held a sign reading “Stop the coup,” echoing comments from legal experts who have characterized Musk’s actions as an attempted “coup” of the U.S. government. Some protesters expressed frustration with the Republican Party’s alignment with Musk, citing his influence over both the White House and key government decisions. Many argued that Musk’s power grab could have dire consequences for the country’s democratic institutions.
The demonstrations, which started at Union Square, saw protesters marching through the streets and chanting, “Hey, hey, ho, ho, Elon Musk has got to go.” The protest culminated at Washington Square Park, where activists continued to speak out against Musk’s control over the government and the future of American democracy.
As protests continued across the nation, many called for increased transparency and accountability in how DOGE operates. Legal challenges have already been filed, alleging that the agency’s actions violate data privacy rights and lack the necessary oversight to ensure that Musk’s initiatives are not simply self-serving. The growing opposition to Musk’s DOGE initiative highlights a deepening divide in American society over the role of private individuals in shaping public policy.
With legal challenges mounting and public distrust growing, the future of DOGE and Musk’s role in government remains uncertain. The protests in New York City and beyond reflect a broader concern about the dangers of concentrated power and the need for greater checks and balances in government.
As the protests gain momentum, questions remain about how Musk’s actions will impact the political landscape and whether the public’s growing discontent will lead to meaningful change in how government functions are overseen.
Also Read : YouTube TV Secures New Deal to Retain Paramount Content, Expanding Streaming Partnership
