No Gracias Palo Alto protesters denounce billionaires role in DOGEs sweeping job cuts

Around 100 protesters rallied outside the Palo Alto office of Valor Equity Partners, condemning CEO Antonio Gracias for his significant role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has eliminated nearly 60,000 federal jobs. The demonstration, led by SEIU Local 521, featured chants like "We need health care, not another billionaire! " to voice community frustrations about the influence of wealth on federal spending. Riko Mendez, SEIU 521's chief elected officer, highlighted the devastating effects of these cuts on vulnerable families. Protesters criticized Gracias's previous leadership of DOGE's immigration task force, which they linked to harmful deportation policies.

While Gracias claimed his efforts restored billions in overpayments, critics pointed out the lack of evidence supporting these savings. Additionally, Social Security overpayments constitute less than 1% of the agency's spending, according to a recent audit. Protests also occurred in major cities like Seattle and New York City, demonstrating a broader movement against billionaire influence in government. The rally underscores growing tensions between community needs and the actions of affluent individuals in power.