Protesters in Westwood oppose Trump and Musk's policies

Hundreds of people protested against President Trump and Elon Musk in Westwood on Saturday. They marched toward the Wilshire Federal Building to voice their concerns about government budget cuts and what they believe are violations of the U.S. Constitution. One protester, Jesse Ugalde, is a 74-year-old Vietnam War veteran. He relies on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for healthcare. Ugalde noticed staff shortages and longer wait times at a VA building. He joined the rally to oppose Trump's plans to cut federal jobs, including at the VA. "There’s no reason to do it this way," he said. The protesters accused the Trump administration and Musk, who has a team managing government efficiency, of hurting essential programs. Musk has laid off thousands of government workers and frozen federal spending, citing wasteful government spending as a major issue. He warned that the U.S. could face financial collapse if actions are not taken quickly. Rep. Maxine Waters spoke at the rally, emphasizing the importance of upholding the Constitution. Many protesters believe that cuts to education and social programs will harm vulnerable communities. Shaun Law-Bowman, a former public school teacher, warned that shutting down the Department of Education would end crucial support for special needs students. Earlier this month, a federal judge ruled that the cuts to aid programs may be unconstitutional. Some legal decisions have questioned the administration’s firing of employees. Despite this, Vice President JD Vance pushed back against the rulings, saying judges should not interfere with executive actions. The protest also included calls for the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist held in immigration detention. Khalil is a green card holder accused by Trump of supporting Hamas. Many at the protest felt that demonstrations are essential for social change. “We wouldn’t have civil rights without protests,” said Elizabeth Gietema, a 28-year-old participant. The rally highlights growing tensions around government policies and their impact on everyday lives.