Protesters rally outside Toms River Town Hall against Trump, Musk, and Mayor Rodrick
TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A group of far-left Democrats gathered outside Toms River Town Hall to protest against President Donald Trump, Congressman Chris Smith, billionaire Elon Musk, and Mayor Dan Rodrick.
Rodrick, a Republican, has faced criticism from local Democrats after cutting waste and spending in town hall following his election in 2024. He was involved in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative in Toms River nearly a year before Musk and the federal agency were officially established.
Online, Democratic leaders have likened Rodrick to Trump for eliminating dozens of municipal jobs, halting government agreements with high-density developers, and renegotiating vendor contracts. Critics have accused him of streamlining local government at the expense of public services.
In 2024, Rodrick cut $6 million in annual insurance costs and unnecessary jobs in the township.
At the protest, demonstrators called for the removal of DOGE leader Elon Musk and held signs opposing Republican leadership.
Ad: Save every day with Amazon Deals: Check out today's daily deals on Amazon.
Rodrick, a Republican, won his 2023 election in a landslide against far-left-wing Democrat and former Cory Booker intern Zach Dougherty. He and his Republican allies have a 4-3 majority on the township council.