NYC Dogecoin Protest: Thousands Rally Against Elon Musk on Presidents' Day

Protests Erupt in Major Cities Against Musk's DOGE

Over 10,000 individuals convened in New York City on Presidents’ Day to voice opposition to the present administration led by Donald Trump, with specific focus directed towards the activities of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

These demonstrations were part of a larger series of protests held on Monday in numerous major cities nationwide. Simultaneously, smaller gatherings materialized at Tesla dealerships throughout the country.

Concerns Regarding Data Access and Agency Disbandment

Protesters interviewed by TechCrunch in Washington Square Park expressed apprehension regarding DOGE’s access to the sensitive data belonging to millions of American citizens.

They also voiced concerns over the group’s dismantling of established federal agencies. Many perceive Musk’s involvement with DOGE as a disguised attempt to amass financial control, and are frustrated by the unprecedented authority an unelected official has gained within the federal government.

“The access that [Musk] possesses regarding our personal information is deeply concerning,” stated Dmitri, a 53-year-old architect who requested anonymity. “He appears captivated by futuristic concepts, attempting to implement them on a large scale, with the potential for significant harm. He is experimenting with forces he doesn’t fully grasp.”

Tom, a 55-year-old retired teacher holding a sign proclaiming “No one voted for Musk,” emphasized, “While I may disagree with the choices of those who voted for Trump, it’s undeniable that no one cast a ballot for Musk.”

He further noted a belief that typical Trump supporters did not vote for Musk, and worried that DOGE’s reductions in staff would negatively impact Americans at the state, local, and individual levels.

“The concentration of power within the hands of billionaires is a truly alarming development,” he added.

The Creation and Actions of DOGE

An executive order signed by Trump on his first day in office established DOGE, entrusting Elon Musk – the billionaire owner of SpaceX, Tesla, X, and other ventures – with the responsibility of eliminating government fraud, waste, and misuse of taxpayer funds.

Since its inception, DOGE has terminated the employment of approximately 10,000 federal employees involved in areas ranging from federal land management to veteran care.

An additional 75,000 workers accepted the Trump administration’s buyout offer, receiving eight months of pay and benefits in exchange for resigning in early February.

Furthermore, DOGE has eliminated 104 government contracts related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives, and has dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Access to the Treasury department’s digital payments system, which manages trillions of dollars in payments to Americans – including Social Security benefits and tax refunds – was also granted to Musk’s DOGE team, despite concerns regarding their security clearances, cybersecurity protocols, and the legality of Musk’s actions.

Differing Perspectives on DOGE’s Efforts

Supporters of Trump and Musk commend their efforts to combat corruption, inefficiency, and bureaucratic obstacles. However, opponents criticize the methods employed by DOGE, warning that its actions could exacerbate corruption and increase national security vulnerabilities.

Numerous legal challenges have been filed, alleging a lack of transparency and violations of data privacy.

The New York protest began at Union Square and proceeded to Washington Square Park, where participants gathered beneath the iconic arch dedicated to George Washington, the nation’s first president.

The New York Police Department estimated the crowd size to exceed 10,000 attendees.

Victoria, a 37-year-old teacher, displayed a sign reading “Stop the coup,” echoing statements made to The Guardian by Arizona’s attorney general, Kris Mayes, who described the situation as a “coup, plain and simple.”

“This isn’t about disagreement with Republican policies,” Victoria explained, braving the cold temperatures hovering around 32 degrees Fahrenheit. “It’s about Trump granting Elon Musk, an unelected individual, control over the nation’s finances.”

Musk’s Conflicts of Interest and Brand Impact

Corwin, a 39-year-old small business owner, observed that Musk “is deeply conflicted, and it’s evident that his antiregulatory stance benefits him personally and financially.”

Musk has targeted agencies for reduction or elimination that regulate industries in which his companies operate. He recently expressed a desire to abolish the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which would oversee X’s planned expansion into financial services, posting “CFPB RIP” with a tombstone emoji on his social network.

He has also indicated intentions to challenge the Federal Aviation Administration, which regulates SpaceX, and to end a rule requiring automakers to report crashes involving autonomous driving technology.

Musk’s actions have negatively impacted Tesla’s brand image. Analyst Thomas Monteiro of Investing.com noted during Tesla’s 2024 fourth-quarter earnings call that hype surrounding the company is declining due to “severe brand devaluation.”

Reports are emerging of Tesla owners selling their vehicles to disassociate from Musk’s businesses. Some Cybertruck owners have experienced vandalism and harassment.

Tesla’s sales, already affected by increased competition and a limited product lineup, have declined in Europe following a gesture by Musk at the president’s inauguration, which many interpreted as a Nazi salute. Polish and German companies have cut ties with Tesla in response to Musk’s support for Trump and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.