Fargo, ND – Around 70 people gathered outside the federal courthouse in downtown Fargo on Sunday to show support for federal workers and protest against the Trump administration’s aggressive cost-cutting measures, led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its head, Elon Musk.
The demonstration, which lasted for about two hours, reflected growing concerns over recent government layoffs and budget cuts, which critics fear could harm essential public services and undermine the federal workforce’s stability.
Rising Distrust Toward DOGE and Elon Musk
A significant focus of the protest was the growing distrust toward Elon Musk, who has been tasked by President Donald Trump to spearhead DOGE’s initiative aimed at slashing government spending and reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Protesters voiced fears that Musk’s private-sector management style—marked by rapid layoffs and cost-cutting strategies—was ill-suited for the complexities of federal governance. Many expressed concerns that these drastic cuts could jeopardize national security, weaken public services, and unfairly target dedicated government employees.
“This isn’t a business; it’s our government. Cutting corners here puts everyone at risk,” said one protester.
Nationwide Demonstrations Signal Growing Dissent
The Fargo protest was part of a broader movement, with similar rallies reported in Nebraska and Iowa over the weekend. These demonstrations highlight increasing public resistance to DOGE’s reforms and fears of:
- Job losses among federal employees, particularly those in technical and research roles.
- Reduced access to government services, especially in rural and underserved areas.
- Overreach by private-sector influence, with Musk’s leadership viewed as prioritizing profit-driven approaches over public service responsibilities.
Organizers of the rallies say more protests are planned in the coming weeks as federal employees and their supporters demand greater transparency and accountability from the Trump administration and DOGE.
Federal Workforce Unions Speak Out
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest union representing federal workers, has also condemned the layoffs and policy changes led by DOGE. The union has threatened legal action, arguing that Musk’s initiatives violate labor rights and could lead to unlawful terminations.
“Our federal workforce deserves respect and fair treatment, not reckless cuts designed to score political points,” an AFGE representative said during the Fargo protest.
