‘We will fight this at every level:’ WA Rep. Jayapal responds to federal job cuts
Apr 5, 2025, 4:45 AM
U.S. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal addresses crowd in downtown Seattle. No word on how many times she cussed. (Photo: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio)
(Photo: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio)
Washington’s U.S. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal is back in her district and railing against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk for what she called an attack to gut Federal Human Services programs and workers.
On Friday morning, Jayapal held a news conference in front of the Federal Courthouse in downtown Seattle, where she addressed these points:
“We are going to continue to say no to the constant bullying of the Trump/Musk administration as they try to scam four and a half trillion dollars of your hard-earned money to give themselves a giant tax cut,” said Jayapal.
Jayapal was surrounded by federal workers and retirees who held signs, chanted, and cheered. They said they’re fearful of losing federal services upon which their families depend.
“Headstart has been a lifeline for my family, providing not just early education, but support in every facet of our lives,” said local mom Ashleigh Ligon. “My family’s story is just one example of how Headstart’s impact extends to families and communities, going far beyond preschool programs.”
One retired Social Security Administration retiree says he understands what federal workers still on the job are going through.
“Those folks are intimidated. They’ve been denigrated, and it’s a dangerous thing for them, unfortunately, in the times we are in,” said Retired Social Security Administration employee Steve Kofahl.
‘Our resistance is stronger than their hate’
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Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security have all been in the bullseye of DOGE. The administration said they just want to find fraud and cut waste, insisting that cutting Social Security isn’t part of their plan.
Jayapal said she is not buying the rhetoric.
“Let us be very, very clear: when you cut regional offices, and you fire 200 employees, that IS cutting Social Security,” Jayapal said.
Jayapal praised everyday Americans who have participated in peaceful protests. She encouraged these protests to continue, as she pledged to do her part in Washington, D.C.
“We will fight this at every level. We will build a coordinated movement in Congress, in the courts, and in public to show our resistance is stronger than their hate, our love is stronger than their greed, and our power will eclipse their cruelty,” Jayapal said.
