Palm Desert Protest Targets Ken Calvert, Trump Administration Over Federal Layoffs

Tensions flared in Palm Desert as demonstrators rallied against Representative Ken Calvert and the Trump administration’s sweeping federal layoffs, which are hitting agencies like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during its busiest season. The protest, organized by the activist group MoveOn, aimed to hold Calvert accountable for what protesters describe as policies favoring billionaires at the expense of working Americans.

“Ken Calvert works for us,” one protester said. “He should be accountable to the people who elected him, not the billionaire class.” The demonstration was part of a broader movement across the country condemning President Trump’s executive orders and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk.

The DOGE initiative seeks to slash federal spending by eliminating thousands of jobs. Roughly 6,000 IRS employees face termination, sparking concerns about delayed tax refunds and hampered revenue collection efforts. “The work is going to pile up, and taxpayers are going to blame the IRS,” said Daniel Sharpenberg, an IRS worker from Kansas City.

While many Republicans praise the cuts as a crackdown on government waste, Democrats and federal employees argue that the layoffs could have devastating consequences. Even conservative voices, including Fox News host Jesse Watters, have urged caution after learning a friend and military veteran was among those let go at the Defense Department.

President Trump and Elon Musk continue to defend the aggressive downsizing. At a recent conference, Musk showcased a chainsaw, symbolizing his goal to “cut waste” from the government. Meanwhile, critics point to a lack of transparency and evidence behind the alleged savings.

Protesters in Palm Desert attempted to engage directly with Representative Calvert at his local office, but he was not present. Calls for accountability and transparency remain central to the growing movement, with protesters vowing to continue their efforts.

(Credit: NBC Palm Springs, Reuters)