COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — U.S. Senate offices are facing a surge in calls from concerned citizens voicing their opinions on President Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks, executive orders, and federal program changes. Many callers are encountering busy signals and full voicemail boxes, making it difficult to reach their senators.
A memo circulated to Senate staff acknowledged the high call volume, with some callers experiencing temporary busy signals. This influx of calls coincides with Trump and Elon Musk's efforts to downsize the federal government, freeze funding, and eliminate agencies.
Progressive groups like Indivisible are encouraging individuals to contact their lawmakers by phone and in person, urging Democratic senators to take action. Social media posts are advising opponents to call their representatives multiple times daily instead of relying on online petitions or emails.
One individual shared her struggle to leave a message for her senator after multiple failed attempts due to overloaded voicemail boxes and busy signals. She expressed concerns about the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development without proper review.
Others reported difficulty reaching their senators, particularly Republicans, who are facing a higher call volume due to holding the majority in the Senate and their alignment with Trump's policies.
Lawmakers are also feeling the strain, as Senate voicemail boxes can only hold a limited number of messages before needing to be cleared. Despite the challenges, senators are committed to addressing constituents' needs and responding promptly to requests for assistance.
