'Fire Musk' protest in the US

Federal agency employees laid off as part of austerity measures in the US continue their protests. While reactions to US President Donald Trump's austerity measures continue in many cities, especially in the capital Washington D.C., a large-scale protest was also held in front of New York's Federal Plaza. Protesters chanted slogans such as "The country's institutions are under attack" and "We will stand up and resist this," while carrying signs reading "Fire Musk" and "Stop the Coup."

Protesters, who argue that the policies targeting the federal workforce by Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—which was established specifically to carry out layoffs and limit hiring in US public institutions—are unconstitutional, described the steps taken by the government in this process as an "institutional coup."

Federal judge issues stay on layoffs

A federal judge issued a ruling yesterday in a lawsuit filed regarding the layoffs, ordering the reinstatement of federal employees. The court also ordered the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to prove within 7 days that it has offered reinstatement to all probationary employees laid off at the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Interior, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs. This decision is seen as a significant legal victory for thousands of laid-off federal employees.

White House reacts sharply to court ruling

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated in a press release that the federal judge had overstepped their authority and interfered with the functioning of the executive branch. Leavitt said, "A single judge is attempting to unconstitutionally seize the executive branch's authority to hire and fire. The President has the right to exercise all powers of the executive branch. If a federal district court judge wants to hold executive powers, they can run for President."

While the White House argues that austerity measures are necessary for the US's economic stability, it is noted that some parts of the DOGE program, headed by Musk, may be reviewed due to the legal battles of federal employees.

Tens of thousands of federal employees laid off

Under the policies implemented by DOGE, large-scale layoffs have occurred across the country in major federal institutions, particularly in the departments of education, treasury, and state, with allegations that newly hired employees and some personnel with high performance evaluations have also been dismissed. While it is stated that the majority of the layoffs were carried out to downsize the government, it is noted that some employees were terminated on the grounds of poor performance. However, many of those laid off argue that they had received feedback that their performance was good and that arbitrary layoffs are taking place under the guise of austerity.

News Source: İHA