Richland, WA – Mayor Theresa Richardson is under fire after publicly expressing support for billionaire Elon Musk and his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump administration initiative aimed at cutting federal spending.
Richardson’s remarks, made in a February 11 Facebook post, have sparked both support and criticism from the local community, particularly as layoffs hit the region’s largest federal employers, including the Hanford nuclear site and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL).
“Are you listening to Elon Musk? He’s being so transparent. How can you doubt what he’s telling us?” Richardson wrote in her now-controversial post.
The backlash intensified just days after news broke that more than a dozen federal employees overseeing work at the contaminated Hanford site and the Department of Energy (DOE) national lab in Richland were laid off, with more job cuts expected.
What Sparked the Controversy?
The controversy centers around Richardson’s support for Musk’s aggressive spending cuts under DOGE, which was established by a February 11 executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The department aims to:
- Curb federal spending across various agencies
- Streamline government operations
- Eliminate what the administration views as wasteful programs
However, critics argue that the cuts are disproportionately impacting workers in federally funded sectors, especially in regions like the Tri-Cities, where federal contracts and DOE-funded projects are a major economic driver.
“I’m really grateful that he’s willing to do this,” Richardson later commented in support of Musk’s efforts.
Community Reaction: Support vs. Criticism
Richardson’s post quickly went viral, receiving over 460 reactions and 420 comments. The local community’s response has been deeply divided:
Supporters’ Views:
- Leo Perales, a Pasco city councilman, called Musk’s approach “refreshing, innovative, and inconvenient,” praising efforts to make the government more efficient.
- James Timmons, a local resident, wrote, “It absolutely boggles my mind how people are passionately opposed to uncovering government fraud.”
Critics’ Concerns:
- Annie Jones, a Tri-Cities resident, warned that “It’s just a matter of time until it impacts the people you represent,” highlighting the region’s heavy reliance on federal funding.
- Leslie Stegen criticized the cuts as irresponsible, saying, “There is no plan, just slash and burn. They must follow the Constitution and judges’ orders.”
Some accused Richardson of deleting critical comments, intensifying the backlash from constituents concerned about free speech and government accountability.
Economic Fallout for the Tri-Cities
The layoffs come as a significant blow to the 19,000 employees working at Hanford and PNNL, many of whom are indirectly employed through federal contractors. These workers play a vital role in:
- Managing nuclear waste
- Advancing scientific research
- Supporting the local economy in Richland and surrounding areas
Cuts to federally funded jobs could have lasting consequences for the region’s economy, which relies heavily on government-funded initiatives.
Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) voiced concerns, saying, “The unintended consequences of these workforce reductions will have long-lasting implications at Hanford, PNNL, and the Bonneville Power Administration.”
Legal and Political Implications
City officials have clarified that Richardson’s Facebook post was made in a personal capacity and does not represent the official stance of the City of Richland. City Manager Jon Amundson cited a U.S. Supreme Court ruling (Lindke v. Freed) to support this stance, explaining that her personal posts are not considered “government speech” unless explicitly endorsed by the city council.
Meanwhile, Misty Muchlinski, chair of the Benton County Democrats, criticized Richardson’s remarks for overlooking the importance of federal workers to the local community’s economic health.
“It’s critical that our elected leaders show unwavering support for all segments of the community, especially those who keep our nation running,” Muchlinski said.
