Hundreds of protesters gathered in Foley Square on Saturday morning, marching through Lower Manhattan to voice their opposition to sweeping federal budget cuts that many say are endangering jobs and essential services.
Among those hit hardest is attorney Christopher Fasano, a father of two, who lost his job last month without severance or health care coverage after the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) became a target of federal cuts.
“We all work at CFPB and other agencies because we want to serve the American public. We are passionate about what we do,” Fasano said. He emphasized the bureau’s role in safeguarding consumers’ financial interests.
“This isn’t about fraud and abuse—it’s about enriching the billionaire class at the expense of everyday Americans,” he added.
Former federal employee Jasmine McAllister echoed his concerns, saying, “We protect people from Wall Street.”
Others fear the cuts will directly harm vulnerable populations. Lorrain Millan, who runs a Staten Island clinic for individuals with disabilities, warned that many of her patients could lose their Medicaid benefits.
“A lot of my clients are able-bodied but not able-minded,” Millan said, expressing concern about the lack of safety nets for those in need.
The demonstration also featured a symbolic “die-in” staged in front of the New York Stock Exchange, highlighting protesters’ anger toward the wealthy backers of federal spending cuts.
However, frustration wasn’t only directed at the administration behind the cuts. Some demonstrators voiced outrage at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who recently supported a Republican-backed funding bill to prevent a government shutdown.
“He made a serious miscalculation,” said protester Chris Lyon. “They say he gave away the only leverage they had.”
The protest underscored growing public concern over the impact of budget reductions on jobs, health care, and financial protections, with activists vowing to continue their fight against what they see as an attack on working-class Americans.
