Before US Senator Dan Sullivan spoke to the Legislature on Thursday, dozens of protestors had gathered outside the Alaska State Capitol. Signs denouncing executive overreach government budget cuts and the senators alleged protestors carried inaction.
Growing dissatisfaction with Sullivan and the Trump administration’s policies seemed to be the reason for the protests. Deborah Craig, a longtime Alaskan resident, voiced concerns about federal agencies being dismantled by the Department of Efficiency (DOGE).
Craig argued these changes harm vulnerable groups like veterans, women, and people with disabilities. As Sullivan entered the house chamber, protestors fell silent, holding their signs as he walked past without stopping.
Attendees like Marian Call expressed dissatisfaction with Sullivan’s lack of public town halls. Sullivan’s voting record was also criticized. A local artist, Pat Race, pointed out that Sullivan’s prior prosecutions of cases involving sexual assault stood in contrast to his backing of nominees who were accused of wrongdoings.
Race also mentioned how worker reductions at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center would harm Alaska’s economy. During his address, Sullivan defended his support for Trump’s administration and downplayed concerns over budget cuts.
Afterward, he rejected accusations of avoiding constituents, calling the claims inaccurate. He argued that his legislative address itself served as a town hall. Meanwhile, protests continued with events planned in Juneau and Anchorage, signaling growing unrest over federal policies.
This news article was originally published by Alaska Beacon.
