The protest, organized by the Working Families Party, primarily opposed funding reductions for the Department of Education. Former President Donald Trump, who previously suggested eliminating the department altogether, has demonstrated a willingness to dismantle long-standing federal programs, as seen with his efforts to cut USAID funding.
On Monday, DOGE slashed $370 million allocated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the Department of Education. Musk defended the cuts, arguing that DEI programs were wasteful and ideologically driven. In a Twitter post, he announced that 70 DEI training grants had been terminated.
In total, DOGE has cut nearly $1 billion from the Department of Education, with the bulk of the reductions targeting the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), a research organization focused on improving education.
Musk’s Justification for Budget Cuts
Elon Musk has stood firmly behind DOGE’s decisions, stating that public funds should not be spent on DEI programs, which he views as unnecessary. He labeled such initiatives as a misuse of taxpayer money, arguing that they do not serve the interests of students or the public.
However, many Rockland County residents disagree. Local activist George Potanovic called the cuts an “all-out assault on working Americans” and urged Congressman Lawler to take a stand. Protesters expressed concerns that Musk, acting as “Trump’s unelected co-president,” was systematically dismantling federal programs to enable tax cuts for the wealthy.
Pressure Mounts on Lawler
This is not the first time Lawler has faced pressure from his constituents. A similar protest took place earlier in the week outside the Federal Courthouse in White Plains. Demonstrators argued that while Lawler frequently appears in the media, he has remained silent on Musk’s actions.
Jennifer Cabrera, chair of the Westchester Putnam Chapter of the Working Families Party, criticized Lawler’s inaction. “He may be afraid of Donald Trump or Elon Musk, but the people he should be afraid of are us—his constituents,” she warned.
While Lawler has not openly supported Musk or DOGE, he has shown approval for some of their actions. He recently backed an audit of USAID, condemning the organization for funding “Tomorrow’s Youth,” an outreach group he described as antisemitic. He has also aligned with Trump on key issues such as ending New York City’s Sanctuary City status and eliminating congestion pricing for drivers entering NYC—policies that resonate with many Rockland residents.
Lawler’s Political Future at a Crossroads
As speculation grows about Lawler’s potential run for New York Governor in 2026, he must carefully balance his party’s agenda with the concerns of his diverse constituency. His stance on budget cuts, Musk’s policies, and Trump’s influence could shape his political future and impact his support base in the coming years.
With protests intensifying, Lawler faces mounting pressure to clarify his position. Whether he chooses to stand with Musk and Trump or advocate for his constituents’ concerns will likely determine his political trajectory in the months ahead.
