RALEIGH, N.C. — President Donald Trump has tasked Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency to cut federal spending.
While many have supported the cuts the organization has made, there are still many others who are outraged and wanting to take a stand.
DOGE’s intent is to make the government more efficient, however some North Carolinians feel it will ruin funding for much-needed programs.
According to the department, it’s looking to cut what it considers fraud or abuse of government funds.
Retired doctor Carol Klein said she feels devastated and frightened regarding the creation of DOGE.
Klein said she believes in public health first. She said the people she served will be hurt by any limits put on medical care.
“My patients benefited greatly from Medicaid and suffered terribly when they were uninsured and did not get Medicaid,” Klein said.
People at Wednesday’s rally, like Klein, made their way to the General Assembly building downtown to share their stories with state legislators.
Others gathered outside chanting for the help of Sen. Thom Tillis with their signs held high.
Tillis’ office said in a statement in part, “As President Trump works to make our nation strong and safe again, Democrats have no plans and are out of ideas, which is why their playbook is to rely on partisan political protests."
Raleigh resident Quince Reynolds said he has nothing against the local or federal government, but he said it’s just too many extreme changes in so little time.
“It seems like they've just gone wild with cutting and firing people and taking money away, and people need to be aware and get involved,” Reynolds said.
Reynolds said he’s about to retire, so any talk of federal cuts to Social Security makes him concerned.
“I mean, I worked all these years and put into it, and I’m entitled to it,” Reynolds said.
