Senate Democrats Protest Trump’s Budget Plan, and DOGE Firings/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Senate Democrats used an all-night budget debate to voice outrage over President Trump’s policies, including federal worker firings, tax breaks for the wealthy, and decreased Ukraine support. Despite dozens of Democratic amendments, Republicans passed the $340 billion budget framework. Immigration and border security remain central, but divisive, issues.
Senate Democrats’ Budget Debate Quick Looks:
- $340 billion Republican budget passed 52-48, with Sen. Rand Paul joining Democrats in opposition.
- Democrats protested DOGE-led federal worker layoffs, tax breaks for billionaires, and cuts to government services.
- Sen. Jeff Merkley coined the term “Trumpflation” criticizing rising costs under Trump’s policies.
- Sen. Patty Murray: “Trump and Musk are making Americans’ lives worse with these cuts.”
- Democrats proposed amendments to reinstate fired workers and preserve Medicaid — all rejected.
- Sen. Bernie Sanders condemned Trump’s false claim that Ukraine started the Russia war.
- Ukraine support measures from Sens. Jack Reed and Jeanne Shaheen also failed.
- Republicans defended the budget as focusing on border security and Pentagon funding.
- Speaker Mike Johnson works on a larger package with $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and $2 trillion in cuts.
- Sen. John Kennedy: Compared Democrats’ protest to “professional wrestling.”
Senate Democrats Protest Trump’s Budget Plan, and DOGE Firings
Deep Look:
The Senate turned into a battleground Thursday night as Democrats launched a marathon session protesting President Donald Trump’s budget plan and the policies his administration has ushered in during his first month back in office. While Republicans advanced their $340 billion budget framework, Democrats seized the floor to air grievances about federal layoffs, Ukraine, tax cuts, and border security plans that they say threaten American livelihoods.
“This budget adds fuel to the fire,” said Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), criticizing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Trump adviser Elon Musk, which has aggressively cut federal jobs. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) offered an amendment to reinstate fired Forest Service and National Park Service workers—it was swiftly voted down.
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) coined the term “Trumpflation” to highlight rising costs, telling Republicans to “put this plan in the woodchipper”—a jab at Musk’s earlier remarks about dismantling government bureaucracy. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) warned of cuts to programs fighting avian flu amid soaring egg prices, while Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) blasted Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine provoked Russia’s 2022 invasion as an “absolute lie.”
Yet despite the fiery speeches and a slew of amendments—ranging from blocking billionaire tax breaks to preserving Medicaid—none passed. “People don’t send us here to make their lives worse,” Murray said. “But that’s exactly what Trump and Musk are doing.”
Border Security at Center Stage:
Republicans emphasized the budget’s focus on border security and deportations, with the framework allocating significant funds to bolster the Pentagon and Coast Guard. Democrats, divided on immigration issues, largely avoided direct opposition to border measures—an area where Trump’s hardline stance has public support.
“The bill is about securing the border and protecting Americans,” said Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), who mocked the prolonged Democratic protests as “professional wrestling.”
Larger Budget Battle Looms:
The Senate-passed budget now heads to reconciliation with the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson is crafting a massive bill featuring $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and $2 trillion in spending cuts. Democrats fear this will gut safety net programs while benefiting the wealthy—concerns amplified by failed amendments from Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Angus King, which sought to cap tax breaks for high earners.
Meanwhile, Ukraine aid became a flashpoint. Sens. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) pushed amendments reaffirming U.S. support for Ukraine, all of which were blocked. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) proposed limits on DOGE workers accessing private data—also rejected.
Democratic Focus: Public Outrage & Midterm Momentum:
For Democrats, the session was about messaging as much as legislating. Sen. Bernie Sanders highlighted seniors’ struggles affording eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dentures, while others underscored how Trump’s economic policies favor the wealthy at the expense of working families.
Though Republicans marched their budget to passage, Democrats signaled they would continue raising public awareness. “This was about standing up for the American people,” said Murray. “Even if Republicans wouldn’t listen, the country will.”
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