Elizabeth Warren Visits Framingham for Town Hall Event

FRAMINGHAM - U.S. Senator for Massachusetts Elizabeth Warren was at the Memorial Building for a town hall-style discussion on Saturday, February 22.

Regional officials and residents were on hand at Nevins Hall to hear remarks from the senator, who also took questions from select audience members. Both supporters and critics of Warren were present within the downtown area on Saturday.

Warren’s comments were primarily marked by criticisms of President Donald Trump along with his Senior Advisor, businessman Elon Musk—who she referred to as Trump’s “co-president.” She expressed a desire to legally challenge actions and orders taken by the executive branch, as she urged local residents to get involved in the political process.

“Ultimately, the power is not actually the White House, the power is not actually in the Congress, the power lies with the people,” Warren continued.

Warren was asked about the status of federal-level job across the nation, as reports nationwide have indicated a large wave of layoffs and job cuts amid what the White House has described in an executive order signed in February as “large-scale reductions in force.” Warren told attendees that she was unsure of what the future holds for federal positions, but added that discussions during the upcoming congressional budget reconciliation process—where elected officials work on how federal dollars are allocated—are expected to feature this topic.

Warren mentioned that any potential efforts from the executive branch to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau—a federal agency that she initially proposed in 2007 prior to her election to Congress—would not happen "on (her) watch."

Amid other nationwide topics, Warren was asked by former State Representative and former City Councilor John Stefanini about conditions at Framingham Union Hospital. Stefanini mentioned he was concerned about operations at the medical facility—which is owned by the Texas-based company Tenet Healthcare —and asked the senator about how potential cuts to federal programs could impact local services. Warren said she’d continue to keep an eye on companies such as Tenet, as she also commended local nurses on their efforts to unionize.

Warren ended the event reiterating her desire to push back against actions from Trump and the executive branch.

“We want an America that works for all of us,” Warren said, “and we are willing to fight for it.”