AFSCME Rallies Against Musk-Led Efforts to Slash Federal Workforce

Federal Workers and Union Leaders Rally Against Workforce Reductions

In the shadow of the U.S. Capitol, a significant rally unfolded as AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Elissa McBride, alongside numerous public service workers, came together to voice their opposition to the current administration's plans to diminish the federal workforce.

The rally, held on Tuesday, brought together members from AFSCME, other AFL-CIO unions, and various lawmakers supportive of workers' rights. The group united to express their disapproval of actions taken by President Donald Trump and his close advisor, Elon Musk, highlighting concerns over potential adverse effects on public services.

Protesters carried signs with messages such as “Save the country, save the civil service,” “No one voted for Elon Musk,” and “The whole world is watching.” Elissa McBride passionately addressed the crowd, stating, “If Elon Musk and the billionaires get their way, more Americans are going to get sick. They’re going to sink into poverty. Their highways and bridges are going to crumble. And more workers will be in harm’s way because federal workers prevent death and disease and disaster.” She emphasized the collective strength of the workers by adding, “When you mess with any of us, you mess with all of us.”

The rally was a response to efforts linked to Project 2025, which McBride and others argue is a guise for billionaires to reduce public services in favor of extensive tax cuts. AFSCME represents workers across several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Department of Justice, and the Federal Aviation Administration. The livelihoods of these workers are at risk due to these proposed changes.

The administration has proposed buyouts for federal employees, a move that AFSCME, along with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), has legally challenged. A federal judge has currently halted the buyout plan, a decision welcomed by AFSCME, as noted in their press release.

Further heightening tensions, President Trump issued a new executive order directing Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to implement significant cuts to the federal workforce. AFSCME President Lee Saunders addressed this decision, stating, “It is unsurprising that an administration run by billionaires is eliminating oversight and firing dedicated federal workers. They know federal workers protect the public against corporate abuse and won’t allow them to use taxpayer dollars as their own personal slush fund.”

In light of these challenging developments, AFSCME encourages public service workers to strengthen their collective power by organizing. More information on organizing efforts can be found here.