Bernie Sanders recently rallied thousands in Omaha, Nebraska, and Iowa City, Iowa, as part of his "fight oligarchy" tour. His efforts come amid growing discontent with the current administration. A CNN survey highlighted that 62% of respondents, including nearly half of Republicans, believe President Donald Trump has not sufficiently addressed the rising costs of everyday goods. Meanwhile, a Washington Post-Ipsos poll showed that twice as many people disapprove than approve of Elon Musk's decision to shut down federal agencies deemed unnecessary.
In Palm Desert, California, a group of protesters demanded their Republican congressman oppose Trump and Musk’s attempts to reshape the government. Progressive activists and concerned citizens have spent the first week-long recess of the new Trump administration pressuring congressional Republicans to stand up to the president and Musk. This pushback comes as Republicans remain largely silent while Trump purges critics from the government and asserts authority over Congress's spending power.
House Democrats have opposed the Trump administration's cuts and the Republicans' government funding proposal. Democratic Congressman Eugene Vindman of Virginia hosted a town hall that drew a large crowd, including federal workers who expressed fears of job elimination. In New York, parents, educators, and students protested outside Republican Mike Lawler's congressional office against Musk's approach to the federal government.
The House version of the budget bill proposes steep cuts to social services, particularly Medicaid, despite Trump's assertion that Medicaid would not be "touched" by the bill. Among the protesters was Level, a semi-retired trial lawyer and college lecturer, who carried a sign reading "Nobody elected Elon."
Trump supporters in Georgia acknowledge that reducing prices may take time but express struggles with basic expenses. Meanwhile, a smaller group of constituents attempted to meet with Congressman Ken Calvert but found his regional office closed and unresponsive.
Elon Musk has become a supervillain figure to liberals who have opposed him alongside Trump as part of their "resistance" over the past decade.
“He needs to hear from us, we the people,” – Colleen Duffy-Smith
Colleen Duffy-Smith emphasized the need for active citizen involvement in addressing what she sees as serious transgressions by the administration. She expressed disbelief at the lack of conscience displayed in policies affecting personal freedoms and social services.
“I have to believe, given the heinous actions that are being signed with a Sharpie on the daily, abridging people’s personal freedoms, their civil rights, our social service programs, our aid abroad, that somebody would have a conscience,” – Colleen Duffy-Smith
“And once you start tipping the iceberg, other right-minded people will follow.” – Colleen Duffy-Smith
Ravi Mangla noted a resurgence of political energy reminiscent of past election cycles as citizens grow increasingly incensed by Trump and Musk's actions.
“We’re seeing a lot of the energy that happened in 2016 and 2020 really coming back as people are feeling pretty incensed by the actions of Musk and Trump,” – Ravi Mangla
“If the threat did not feel real and urgent at election time or earlier this year, it seems to be feeling very urgent to people now.” – Ravi Mangla
During a town hall meeting, Rich McCormick expressed frustration at what he perceived as a lack of constructive dialogue from attendees.
“I came here to have a discussion,” – Rich McCormick
“I think a lot of you didn’t come here in good faith to have a discussion. You came here to yell at me and to boo me.” – Rich McCormick
Protesters voiced their displeasure with Musk's influence over government affairs.
“You work for us, not Musk!” – Protester (no name mentioned)
“When he’s snooping through your bank accounts, you dump him.” – Protester (no name mentioned)