Democrats protest Trump administration’s actions

(NewsNation) — Outside the Senate office buildings, Democrats and federal workers are gathering to protest actions by the Trump administration.

Hundreds of people gathered on Wednesday, including multiple Democratic lawmakers, carrying signs that said things like, “Protect USAID.”

At the heart of the protests are accusations of abuse of power and abuse of authority by the Trump administration and by Elon Musk. People have also been protesting President Donald Trump’s proposal that the U.S. take over Gaza.

Several lawmakers told NewsNation that not only do they think the proposal is a terrible idea, they also think it’s illegal.

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., called the buyout offer for federal workers illegal and said it was critical to get USAID reopened.

“Where this is being celebrated right now is Beijing,” Warner told the crowd.

While many are angry about the administration’s actions, Republicans have continued to defend them. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., defended the president’s plan for Gaza.

“The initial announcement yesterday was greeted by surprise by many but cheered by, I think, people all around the world,” Johnson told reporters. “Why? Because that area is so dangerous and he’s taking bold, decisive action to try to ensure the peace of the region. It’s a bold move, certainly far bolder than what’s been done before.”

At the start of the Trump administration, there was a sense among Democrats on Capitol Hill that the “resistance” seen in 2016 had diminished. There were no mass protests like there were in 2016 and polling indicated some of Trump’s positions were more popular.

But there is a sense this may be changing, with these kinds of protests in D.C. becoming a daily occurrence.

Democrats are also bringing back town halls in their districts to bring people out and listen to what people say about their frustrations and their grievances. That could lead to members acting on those, with policy or lawsuits, to try to stop the administration.