Nevadans protest outside the state capitol building to decry Musk, Trump, and Project 2025

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Carson City to decry the actions from the Trump administration. In particular, many were concerned with the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its ruler, Elon Musk.

“ I’m upset with Elon taking over stuff that he has no business to,” said Jeannie, a protester who preferred to keep her last name anonymous for fear of retribution.

The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, a temporary organization created by President Trump on his first day in office, has faced questions of legality. The department now has access to the federal payments system from the U.S. Treasury, giving Musk sensitive information about every American—including Nevadans’ social security numbers, addresses, and Medicare payments. This could open the door for Musk and his team to potentially decide who should get payments for things like Social Security.

“ I’m frantically anxious about Elon Musk and his people with no classified clearances having now accessed our government systems,” said Susan McRae, a retired Peace Corps volunteer.

McRae attended the protest, holding a sign that said, “SAVE U.S.A.I.D.,” the American government’s primary humanitarian and development aid agency.

DOGE has made it one of its first missions to shut down U.S.A.I.D. The agency’s website went offline on Feb. 1, and a 90-day federal funding freeze on foreign aid has all but shut down U.S.A.I.D. programs and initiatives. 

“The thing that’s most disturbing about the attack on U.S.A.I.D. is all the work they do for HIV, AIDS, and the assistance that they give that is life-saving assistance,” McRae said.

While Musk frantically tweets about U.S.A.I.D.’s “corruption and waste,” on his platform X, Tesla sales have declined in both Europe and California. This could spell trouble for the future of a company with a large stake in Nevada–the Tesla Gigafactory is located just east of Reno. Many Nevadans at the protest fear the Tesla CEO has reached too far into politics.  

“ I mean, they are just destroying this country, and dismantling our government,” said protester Jeannie.

But, it wasn’t just Musk that brought people out to the protest this week. Carol Scott, a semi-retired children’s theater owner, was inspired to act because of her theater students.

“ I work with a lot of children who are gay and trans. Those kids and those parents are my heart and I want them protected and they deserve to be protected.”

Additionally, Mikayla, who requested anonymity, wanted to get out and make her voice heard. She was feeling hopeful that the protests could effect change.

“ it’s important to be as loud as we can right now and not let them drown us out.”

Protesters showed up in droves on Wednesday in Carson City’s portion of the nationwide day of protest, which happened in the middle of the day during an otherwise typical workday. For Jenna, who requested anonymity, getting out was important, regardless of when it was happening.

“ I love it because it’s Carson City and you wouldn’t think this much people showed out. So it’s overwhelming and I love it.”