Protesters in Lower Manhattan oppose federal budget cuts

Protesters gathered in Foley Square, Lower Manhattan, on Saturday to oppose recent federal budget cuts. Many participants, including former federal employees, expressed concerns about job losses and potential impacts on public services like Medicaid. Christopher Fasano, a former employee of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, highlighted the risks to consumer protection. Others, like Lorrain Millan, worry about the effects on vulnerable populations relying on Medicaid. The protest included a die-in near the Stock Exchange, symbolizing anger towards wealthy supporters of the cuts. Some demonstrators criticized Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer for supporting a funding bill that they believe undermined their leverage.