Dozens protest DOGE at Missouri Capitol

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Dozens of Missourians gathered at the Missouri Capitol on Monday to protest against Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency.

The protest was organized by nonpartisan group We the People Missouri. According to the group's website, the organization is strictly focused on removing Musk and DOGE from the executive branch and maintaining checks and balances in the government. The group argues that Musk and DOGE harm the country.

"There's a lot of hatred on each side of the aisle and both of us have to learn to set down our swords and come together because that's the only way we're going to fight this," group founder Amanda Jensen said.

General concerns the group expressed include layoffs to Missouri IRS workers and government cuts to NIH research funds and USAID funds that may affect farmers whose livelyhoods are in the international soybean market.

"I am a concerned American, not affected yet, but potentially affected, as are so many other Americans and Missourians," protester Carol Elliott said.

"Cutting benefits and firing people while at the same time promising jobs and production is kind of hypocritical in the world we live in," Air force veteran and protester Ryan Gallo said.

Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R-Jefferson County) created the Government Efficency Portal earlier February where Missourians are encouraged to leave questions and concerns on their experience in government inefficiencies within the state.

ABC 17 News reached out to U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO) -- who has been a supporter of the DOGE -- on Monday.