Federal agency employees laid off by US President Donald Trump’s administration as part of austerity measures protested in front of the Federal Plaza in New York City yesterday, demanding the firing of Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Arguing that Musk’s policies to specifically lay off public institutions and limit hiring are unconstitutional, the protesters described the government’s steps in the process as an “institutional coup.”

A federal judge ruled yesterday to reinstate federal employees in a lawsuit filed regarding layoffs. In response, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the federal judge exceeded their authority and interfered with the functioning of the executive branch, and argued that the austerity measures were essential for the economic stability of the US.