Thousands of people gathered around the steps of the Colorado Capitol and marched through the streets of downtown Denver on Saturday to protest the Trump administration’s extensive funding cuts and executive actions. The protests were fueled by the recent attempts by President Donald Trump’s administration, including the Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk, to freeze trillions of dollars in federal grants and cut tens of thousands of government jobs.
One of the agencies facing significant cuts is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, with plans to reorganize and eliminate 80,000 positions. Shaunice Coleman, a Navy veteran from Denver, shared her struggles in accessing mental health resources and support after losing her job, highlighting the impact of these cuts on VA health care professionals and veterans in need of care.
In addition to the budget cuts, President Trump has signed over 100 executive orders since taking office, addressing various issues such as birthright citizenship, regulatory agency control, federal agency dismantling, and election process overhaul. While the administration argues that these actions are necessary to save taxpayer money and fulfill campaign promises, opponents view them as a power grab benefiting the president and his allies.
The protesters, carrying signs ridiculing Trump and Musk and comparing them to fascist leaders, voiced their concerns about the threats to American democracy. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser reassured the crowd that the state will continue to fight against Trump’s executive orders in court, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and the Constitution.
Democratic state senator Jessie Danielson condemned Trump’s attacks on judges who have blocked his policies, accusing him of undermining the principles of a free press, free speech, and freedom of thought. The protesters marched through downtown Denver, blocking traffic and chanting against Trump and U.S. military aid to Israel.
Families like Graham Ottley’s participated in the protest to show their children the importance of being active citizens in a democracy. Labor unions and activist groups set up booths around the Capitol steps, with the event organized by various organizations including Colorado 50501 Chapter, Move On, Colorado Indivisible, Solidarity Warriors, Political Revolution, and Common Ground People’s Collective.
The protest, named “Hands Off!”, was part of a nationwide movement with similar demonstrations planned in all 50 states and in Europe. Additional protests were scheduled in cities across Colorado, including Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Greeley, and Pueblo. The event aimed to raise awareness about the impact of the administration’s policies and inspire citizens to engage in the political process.
