More than 3,000 individuals convened in downtown Anchorage on Saturday to voice their opposition to various federal policies implemented during the Trump administration, echoing similar protests occurring across the country.
For the second consecutive week, a large crowd gathered in Town Square Park, brandishing signs that conveyed their frustration with numerous actions taken by the federal government since President Donald Trump assumed office in January.
Among the policies fueling outrage were the mass firings of federal employees, proposed cuts to public radio funding, and an overwhelming number of executive orders—over 100—that Trump has signed in the early months of his term.
Rob Hartley, an Anchorage resident, displayed a sign that simply read “nope,” which encapsulated the widespread rejection of the administration’s policies felt by many demonstrators that day.
When asked which policies were most concerning to protesters, Chandre Iqugan Szafran, an Inupiaq from Nome, reflected, “Literally, all of them.” Her sign addressed the president’s intentions regarding Greenland, stating, “Mostly democracy. Hands off Greenland, hands off our democracy.”
Sophie Litée, a first-grade French teacher at O’Malley Elementary School, expressed a similar sentiment. Her sign aimed criticism at Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, who had recently vetoed an increase in public school funding. She emphasized that Trump’s agenda to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education would have long-lasting repercussions for education nationwide.
The crowd marched approximately half a mile west on Sixth Avenue towards the offices of Alaska’s congressional delegation on L Street. The event was organized by Stand Up Alaska, a local nonprofit dedicated to social and racial justice, in conjunction with similar demonstrations labeled “Hands Off!” and “50501” taking place throughout the nation.
Erin Jackson-Hill, executive director of Stand Up Alaska, estimated that over 3,000 individuals participated in what was termed the “Veto Project 2025 – No Kings Rally.” Additional protests were also planned in various communities around the state.
Participants came to the rally with diverse elements—bringing babies, dogs, bikes, and even dressed in costumes.
David Teague, adorned in colonial garb as part of his role at the Three Barons Renaissance Fair, made a notable appearance. He highlighted the significance of the day by referencing the anniversary of the first battle of the Revolutionary War, often called the shot heard around the world.
Teague expressed his concerns about the erosion of due process under the current administration, stating that the Trump administration has undermined the separation of powers within government.
Justin Pedersen, who was pushing his two young children in a double stroller, conveyed his apprehensions regarding the future they would inherit. He remarked, “The biggest concern is that we see a political group, MAGA, setting the groundwork for a corrupt and anti-democratic system, removing checks and balances and intimidating the public, politicians, and the judicial system.”
Haley Blevins and Alyssa Lissner, college students, noted that the new administration’s policies generated significant discussion among their peers. They carried signs advocating for protecting rights across various issues, including education, immigration, LGBTQ+, and bodily autonomy.
“It’s not just the things that affect us; it’s the things that affect everyone,” Lissner said, emphasizing a collective responsibility to care for all individuals.
One protester, who goes by the name Pillow, held a sign that read, “Without Social Security, I would be homeless.” The 69-year-old, who identifies as “queer as hell,” expressed her concern for friends who rely on Medicare, Medicaid, and public school funding.
Connie Cooley, a business owner from Girdwood, attended the protest with a group of friends. She shared her anxieties regarding how Trump’s tariff disputes might affect the products sold in her shop, The Great Alaska Tourist Trap.
“My head is kind of spinning about the tariffs,” she admitted. “It’s possible that my business will change.”
University of Alaska Anchorage students Sam Rollis and Elian Lopez joined forces to carry a sign reading “Protect NPR.” Rollis spoke about his fears concerning proposed cuts to public radio, stating, “That really scared me. I think their content is great, and I strongly believe in public media.”
Additionally, the issue of immigrant rights was prominently highlighted among demonstrators, with one sign reading, “Bring back Abrego Garcia.”
Protester John Robertson captured the gravity of the situation, declaring, “If this guy doesn’t have due process, then none of us are gonna have due process.”
image source from：https://www.adn.com/politics/2025/04/19/thousands-gather-in-anchorage-to-protest-trump-policies-for-second-time-in-2-weeks/
