On Presidents’ Day, protesters across Alaska joined nationwide rallies against Trump administration policies. The protests, organized by the 50-50-one movement, aimed to oppose recent policies, including layoffs, executive orders, and Elon Musk’s involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
In Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Seward, protesters gathered at government buildings, calling attention to Alaska’s role in federal actions. Libby Roderick, an Anchorage protester, criticized the Trump administration’s policies, saying they would have shocked her father’s friend, Ted Stevens, a former Republican Majority whip.
Protesters also expressed concerns about the impact of Trump’s policies on their families. Kunaan Julie Smyth, a protester from Fairbanks, said, “I am here to protest the changes for DEI because DEI impacts every member of my family, including veterans.”
Alaska State Senator Jesse Kiehl spoke to protesters in Juneau, urging federal legislators to push back against Trump’s policies. “We need them to stand up and honor their oaths of office to protect and defend the Constitution,” Kiehl said.
Rep. Nick Begich, R-Alaska, recently joined the Congressional DOGE caucus, which aims to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government. However, critics argue that the caucus’s efforts will harm vulnerable communities.
As the protests continue, it is clear that Trump administration policies remain a contentious issue. The Trump Administration’s policies will likely face ongoing opposition from protesters and lawmakers alike.
News story originally published by Alaska’s News Source.
