After climate-denier-for-hire Lee Zeldin was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency with the backing of all Republicans plus Arizona’s Democratic senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego and John Fetterman (D-Pa.), over 1,100 EPA employees were told they would soon be fired. More than 300 career staff have already left. Musk lieutenant Gautier Cole Killian is now inside the EPA.
On Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 2:30PM ET, Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.), climate and environmental advocates, union workers, and members of Congress will hold a rally and press conference outside the Environmental Protection Agency to demand that the Trump administration end its unlawful cut-off of funding to Environmental Protection Agency programs for clean air, clean water, and climate action that were authorized and appropriated by Congress.
Despite court orders requiring the restart of funding, Trump administration officials have failed to release money for Inflation Reduction Act and clean school bus programs as required by law—leaving communities without resources to fight dangerous pollution. While this unconstitutional funding seizure is taking place, unelected billionaire Elon Musk has taken over the federal government in order to target the EPA employees who keep our communities safe.
At this press conference, lawmakers, workers, and advocates will highlight programs still affected by illegal funding cut-offs and attacks on our democracy, as well as demand that Musk cease his baseless attacks on the EPA’s work to tackle pollution and protect public health and the environment.
Trump’s global freeze on foreign aid is an attack on millions of people around the world with HIV and people at greatest risk of acquiring HIV.
PEPFAR, the U.S. bilateral global AIDS program, has virtually stopped providing services and the ‘waiver’ announced by Marco Rubio is too little, too late.
Trump is dismantling scientific research infrastructure, shutting down USAID, eviscerating diversity in research, and attacking LGBTQ+ people. This harms us all. We cannot end AIDS without ending this coup against global health.
Supported by Housing Works, Treatment Action Group, ACT UP, and more.
Each morning, a peaceful protest outside of the Office of Personnel Management headquarters at 1900 E St NW from 7:30 am to 8:30 am, with coffee and donuts.
Bring megaphones and friends and a fork or spoon. Wear a mask.
Sources say the Department of Labor is next on Musk’s takeover list. Working people deserve a strong Department of Labor, not one run by unaccountable billionaires and greedy CEOs.
The Rally to Restore Foreign Aid Now will be held on Wednesday, February 5, from 11:30-12:30 PM at the Upper Senate Park (Constitution & Delaware Ave NE) and will include speeches from members of Congress, bipartisan former government officials, and experts in the field. Members of the press will also be in attendance to cover the event. We ask participants to bring signs or posters to show their support. Members of the press, please fill out this form.
Rally Speakers
Senator Chris Van Hollen (MD)
Representative Lois Frankel (FL-22)
Major General (Ret.) Dr. Paul Friedrichs
Representative Sara Jacobs (CA-51)
Atul Gawande, Former Head of Global Health for USAID
Bama Athreya
Jeremy Konyndyk
Chris Milligan
Mission
President Trump and Congress must act now to restore vital foreign aid programs, ensuring bipartisan support to keep America safe, strong and prosperous. The pause and possible termination of foreign aid activities is detrimental to the United States and our allies, and we urge the President and Congress to prevent further harm.
About the Organizers
This rally is being organized by Friends of Foreign Aid, a grassroots effort composed of retired Senior Foreign Service members, USAID program implementer’s staff, nonprofit organizations, and other senior leaders in foreign assistance. This group came together in response to the administration’s executive order halting USAID projects, and the recent events involving the dissolution of USAID. Organizers include LeAnna Marr, Alicia Dinerstein, MaryBeth Hastings, and Isabel Rogers.
Any press or other communication can be directed to us through this form.
Resources
This is a peaceful bipartisan rally, which has a legal permit to organize, and capitol police will be on standby to address any concerns. At this time, we do not expect any counter-protesters or any sort of violence, but if you are concerned about safety, here are a couple resources to help you prepare for the rally:
Each morning, a peaceful protest outside of the Office of Personnel Management headquarters at 1900 E St NW from 7:30 am to 8:30 am, with coffee and donuts.
Bring megaphones and friends and a fork or spoon. Wear a mask.
Rally at the Treasury building to stop Elon Musk’s billionaire takeover. Nobody elected Elon! We need everyone to fight this hostile takeover at every level—that includes Democrats in Congress, who need to unite and do everything in their power to get Musk’s hands off our money and stop the Musk takeover.
Treasury Building
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW (15th Street NW, between F & G)
A core principle behind this event is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.
Each morning, a peaceful protest outside of the Office of Personnel Management headquarters at 1900 E St NW from 7:30 am to 8:30 am, with coffee and donuts.
Bring megaphones and friends and a fork or spoon. Wear a mask.
Each morning, a peaceful protest outside of the Office of Personnel Management headquarters at 1900 E St NW from 7:30 am to 8:30 am, with coffee and donuts.
Bring megaphones and friends and a fork. Wear a mask.
The White House has just frozen federal funding, a move that could halt payments within days to states and households relying on essential programs like SNAP food aid, housing assistance, education, healthcare, and climate initiatives.
This illegal and unconstitutional decision jeopardizes the very programs that keep families fed, communities safe, and our climate protected. From struggling households to public schools and climate protections - this move is dangerous and must be called out.
Join our rally to push back against this reckless, illegal, and unconstitutional decision. Let’s show them that our movement is strong, united, and ready to defend what’s right. Organized by the Green New Deal Network, Climate Action Campaign, and Move On.
Corner of 17th Street Northwest & Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
