By Charles Switzer
8:42am PST, Feb 22, 2025
McCormick Faces Backlash Over Federal Layoffs
Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA) found himself at the center of a heated town hall meeting on Thursday, February 20, as constituents in Georgia's 7th congressional district voiced their anger over the widespread federal layoffs and spending freezes initiated by President Donald Trump's administration.
The cuts, championed by White House adviser and the world's richest human Elon Musk, have sparked fierce debate, with many residents expressing frustration over the economic uncertainty they are creating.
McCormick was repeatedly pressed on the impact of these decisions, highlighting growing concerns over job security and government services in his district.
Here is how the backlash unfolded.
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CNN Interview Cancellation Raises Questions
Less than 24 hours after facing intense criticism from his constituents, McCormick abruptly pulled out of a scheduled CNN interview. The Republican lawmaker had been booked to appear on The Lead with Jake Tapper on Friday, February 21, but canceled at the last minute.
Tapper made note of McCormick's sudden withdrawal on-air, pointing out that the congressman had been expected to address the controversial budget cuts and layoffs but backed out with little explanation. The move raised eyebrows, with some speculating that McCormick may have wanted to avoid further public scrutiny following his tense town hall.
Congressional Staff Cuts on the Table?
During the same CNN segment, Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR) acknowledged that congressional staff cuts could soon be considered as part of the broader government downsizing. When asked whether lawmakers should reduce their own staffs to demonstrate sincerity in shrinking the federal government, Bentz admitted that the topic had already been discussed among his team.
"It hasn't been suggested yet by leadership," he noted, "but if it is so suggested, I will support it."
His remarks signaled that further cost-cutting measures could soon be on the horizon, potentially affecting congressional offices and their ability to serve constituents.
Growing Tensions Over Federal Budget Cuts
The controversy surrounding Musk's cost-cutting initiative continues to generate backlash, particularly among those affected by the layoffs. While some Republicans have defended the reductions as necessary to curb government spending, others — like McCormick — are facing increasing pressure from their voters to justify the impact these measures are having on federal employees and public services.
With congressional leaders now discussing additional cuts, including to their own staffs, the political fallout from the administration's aggressive budget-slashing approach is far from over.
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