A massive crowd gathered around the steps of the Colorado Capitol and flooded the streets of downtown Denver on Saturday to voice their opposition to the Trump administration’s extensive budget cuts and executive orders.
Since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term, his administration, including the newly established Department of Government Efficiency led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, has made controversial moves such as attempting to freeze trillions of dollars in federal grants and eliminating tens of thousands of government jobs.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is one of the agencies facing cuts, with plans to reorganize that could result in the loss of 80,000 positions, as reported by The Associated Press.
Shaunice Coleman, a Denver resident and Navy veteran, shared her struggles accessing mental health services after losing her job, expressing concerns about the impact of cuts on VA healthcare professionals.
Protests against the administration’s actions have intensified as Trump signed over 100 executive orders, including measures to limit birthright citizenship, increase executive control over regulatory agencies, abolish federal departments, and reform the election process.
While Trump’s administration defends these actions as necessary for fiscal responsibility and fulfilling campaign promises, critics view them as authoritarian power grabs benefiting Trump and his allies.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser highlighted the state’s legal battles against Trump’s orders and emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and the Constitution.
Democratic State Senator Jessie Danielson condemned Trump’s attacks on judges who oppose his policies, accusing him and Musk of undermining fundamental democratic values.
Protesters, accompanied by members of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, marched through downtown Denver, expressing opposition to Trump and U.S. military aid to Israel.
Residents like Graham Ottley participated in the protest to oppose immigration policies affecting their work and to teach their children about civic engagement.
Labor unions and activist groups set up booths around the Capitol during the event, which was organized by several local groups and aligned with similar protests across the country and Europe.
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