Protestors gathered outside the Fairbanks Federal Building on Wednesday, continuing protests against the Trump administration’s budget cuts, which eliminated 100 jobs. Across Alaska, hundreds participated in Presidents Day protests opposing Alaska federal job cuts that impacted federal workers and essential state programs.
“I am here to support federal funding and federal workers who work in the state of Alaska,” protestor Abigail Nastan said, emphasizing her appreciation for public workers. She criticized the Trump administration’s decision, calling the reductions willy-nilly cuts that harmed public safety.
Elon Musk, a Trump administration advisor overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), defended the workforce reductions. He described them as necessary adjustments to reduce bureaucracy and restore government accountability to voters.
Musk explained that the federal government needs to be right-sized to ensure efficiency. He also argued that an unelected bureaucracy had expanded beyond its intended scope, requiring intervention.
While visiting Fairbanks, Congressman Nick Begich addressed concerns, explaining that job losses primarily affected probationary federal employees. He acknowledged the community’s frustration but maintained that the reductions were part of broader government restructuring efforts.
Begich also admitted Musk was unelected but reassured the public that DOGE and the Trump administration were carefully evaluating each decision. Despite assurances, protests continued across the state, calling for greater transparency.
With Alaska federal job cuts impacting essential services and employment, workers and advocates remain determined to fight against the administration’s restructuring efforts.
This news article was originally published by Alaska’s News Source.
