Cheyenne, Wyo. - On Saturday, rallies were held across the state as part of a national movement to protest the Trump administration.
Wyoming State Patrol tells Wyoming News Now that an estimated 500-600 people showed up. The "Hands Off!" protests is described as a "nationwide mobilization to stop the most brazen power grab in modern history."
“It's a movement,” says Matthew Snyder, Laramie County Democrats.
Across the reddest state in the union, ten "hands off" rallies kicked off on Saturday.
“It’s a protest. Hands off due process, hands off our bodies, hands off our rights, hands off our benefits, ad nauseam, says Snyder.
At the state capitol, protesters gathered to voice their concerns.
“He basically screwed Republican voters in Wyoming. Cutting benefits, cutting VA, cutting housing, all those benefits Wyoming takes part in,”says Joe Ramirez, Lead Community Organizer.
Wyoming State Patrol Officials say that at its peak, they estimate there were about 500 to 600 demonstrators in front of the capitol steps and across the road in Cheyenne.
One rallier I spoke to says he was there because his grandfather fought against the threat to democracy.
“He literally fought the Nazis hand to hand, in Normandy, in Africa, in Italy and God rest his soul, I’ve never forgotten… sorry… I’ve never forgotten what he fought for and what he fought against, and when I see the same thing happening in our country, that tears me apart,” says John S., citizen & rallier.
Protesters were there to rally against the Trump administration and Elon Musk, with signs against Doge, taking away Veterans benefits and social security.
“Its just not hurting people that didn’t vote for him; its hurting everybody. And eventually, they'll feel the hurt,” says Ramirez.
There were also signs that protested taking away women's bodily autonomy and the crumbling of our constitution, due process, and the rule of law.
"We're already seeing Republican, moderate Republicans coming over. Were already seeing a lot of people saying we don’t recognize this Republican party,” says Snyder.
Pro- Trump ralliers were also there in lower numbers.
Advocates for the administration say he's keeping his campaign promises.
Tightening the border, slashing government jobs and draining the swamp are temporary pains for long-term gains.
Back at the Capitol, young and old sang songs as veteran shouted with clenched fists for their rights and for democracy.
“I'm a guy that swore to the constitution, and I'm a registered Republican right now and I have fought against Democrats in the past, I've fought against Republicans in the past. If you violate the constitution, that’s as about as un-American as you can get,” says John S.
Rallies were also held across the state in Rock Springs, Cody, Casper, Jackson, and Lander, to name a few.
We also reached out the Wyoming Republican party to get their take and have not heard back yet.
