Zachary Levi, the star of "Shazam," is making headlines for his emotional appeal to billionaire Elon Musk concerning the fate of federal workers amid significant job cuts within the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). During his appearance on Fox News' "Jesse Watters Primetime," Levi passionately urged Musk not to let those who voted for Donald Trump, now facing layoffs, "fall through the cracks."
Levi, who has been vocal about his support for Trump, spoke out following the announcement of extensive cuts to the federal workforce, which many attribute to Musk's management of DOGE. "There are good people, people who voted for Donald Trump, who are losing their jobs. And we got to make sure we don’t leave those folks behind," Levi stated on Monday.
His comments come after some federal employees became anxious about losing their positions due to the cuts, which critics argue could adversely affect people who have remained loyal to the Trump administration. Supporting Trump after the withdrawal of his preferred candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from the presidential race last August, Levi expressed his gratitude for Trump’s victory. On the program, he reflected on the current political climate, stating he was "so grateful" for the election results and the appointment of figures like Kennedy and Tulsi Gabbard to key roles.
While discussing the precarious situation, Levi painted a grim picture of the potential fallout from the cuts, emphasizing the human aspect. "There are many folks who are afraid right now, and for valid reasons. We need to address this," he asserted, directly appealing to Musk, imploring him to protect federal employees affected by the job cuts.
The DOGE cuts have drawn criticism for their aggressive approach, which some have deemed reckless. Many safety advocates warn about the potential fallout, with former officials expressing concern over Musk's intentions. "Musk wants to run the Department of Transportation," stated Missy Cummings, who has witnessed substantial regulatory pushback against Musk’s other ventures.
Levi's emotional pleas drew attention to the social ramifications of the cuts, noting how the swift decisions made by DOGE could mean losing capable workers unjustly. "Please, Elon, and all of your team, don't let everybody fall through the cracks. It’s like going for cancer surgery; doctors may need to remove some good healthy tissue to get out the darkness. But we must minimize the collateral damage," he elaborated, combining his call to action with metaphors to underline the urgency and seriousness of the situation.
He rebuffed criticism he received following his Fox appearance, clarifying on social media he was advocating for all Americans impacted by job cuts, not just those who voted for Trump. "I wasn’t pleading exclusively for Trump voters to keep their jobs... I’m not fighting just for conservatives or MAGA or any other group of people, other than Americans,” he stated.
Levi's position as a public figure who supports Trump has not been without consequences. He described the risk of his stance causing career repercussions within the liberal-dominated entertainment industry. "I know this could constitute career suicide, but the important thing is to stand for what’s right, regardless of the potential fallout," he explained.
The actor's past projects have already faced challenges at the box office. Despite being cast as the lead character Billy Batson, his film "Shazam!" has not seen the success he anticipated, with industry insiders pointing to difficulties following his vocal political stance.
Levi's commitment to speaking out during such challenging times reflects broader currents within the entertainment community, illustrating deep divides over political issues. Nevertheless, he remains undeterred, encouraging others to be methodical and considerate as they navigate these trying conversations and circumstances.
Looking forward, it remains to be seen how Levi's advocacy will affect his career, especially after taking such bold steps to discuss governmental policies and their impact on the lives of average citizens. Amidst growing scrutiny surrounding Musk's role at DOGE and its impact on the American workforce, Levi's passionate stance serves as a reminder of the interplay between politics, employment, and the heart of American values.