Protesters Marched Through Downtown Denver Hours before President’s Address to Congress
Story and Photos by Sara Monteith
Hundreds gathered at the March 4 Liberty rally at the Colorado State Capitol yesterday to protest President Donald Trump’s actions and policies.
The peaceful protest once again spilled into Denver streets as protestors marched through downtown Denver.
Virginia, who is retired, said Trump’s actions in the first six weeks of his second term are extreme and hurting people around the world. Virginia,, asked to be identified by only her first name for privacy and security reasons. According to Virginia, she has participated in protests since the 1970’s.
“This feels like the most destructive thing that has happened in my lifetime,” Virginia said.
Protesters gathered at noon at the steps of the Capitol, waving signs conveying anger at Trump’s handling of dozens of issues including Ukraine, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, federal job cuts, and other issues currently plaguing the country with strife.
Another protestor, Steve, was angry about Trump’s mishandling of Ukraine, and Trump’s aligning with Russian President Vladimir Putin .
“President Trump’s meeting with [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy was an insult to every American who has served to protect this country and our democracy,” Steve said.
The protest came hours before President Trump addressed a joint session of Congress on live television.
During the address Trump reiterated his misleading or untrue claims that his administration, through Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, has cut billions in fraud from the country’s programs.
The Republicans, led by Trump, are also pushing legislation that will cut Medicaid, and SNAP while extending tax cuts for the richest Americans.
Trump has also focused his attention on dividing the country by focusing on the culture war. He has repeatedly attacked Trans rights and signed an executive order on “gender ideology,” which limits the definition of gender to male and female.
LGBTQ+ rights were an issue many protesters were concerned about Tuesday.
Skye and their fiancé, Eden, who both identify as nonbinary, attended the protest to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
“I want to live without the fear of being killed,” Skye said. “We are protesting the erasure of trans people throughout the United States and the declining support of LGBTQ rights,” they continued.
The crowd was composed of a diverse coalition with people from all ages and backgrounds. Many protesters carried upside down American flags, a sign of distress, which has become a common symbol of protest nationwide.
The issues being protested were so vast many said they were “protesting literally everything.” Many said they knew they were not alone and showing up for each protest was more important than ever.
Katherine Okon held signs that said “Our grandkids deserve a better world” and “Over 75 million voted against him. You are not alone”. “We are scared, angry and frustrated and we know there are a lot more of us all over the country. We can save our country if we stick together,” said Okon.
Thousands of people have protested in Denver and around the country since the inauguration on January 20th. Hundreds protested in Boulder Monday furious about layoffs at NOAA and other federal agencies.
“They are dismantling the services that go in the background that keeps our lives sane and safe on a day-to-day basis, like the recent NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) firings. These jobs keep a safe and civil society,” Steve said.
Groups like the 50501 Movement and the Common Ground People’s Collective are consistently organizing marches and rallies at the Capitol to keep the pressure on our legislators and show the widespread discontent of the 47th President.
The next protest is planned for Friday, March 7th to “Stand up for Science” and another is scheduled Sunday, March 9th seeking “Justice for Ukraine.”