Protesters rally in Palmer against recent White House actions

During the Presidents Day holiday, Monday, more than 100 people gathered in Palmer to protest a series of recent executive orders signed by President Donald Trump, including actions led by billionaire Elon Musk, which have been criticized for their aims to diminish and sometimes eliminate the role of the federal government.

Armed with signs, American flags, and calls for change, the “Protest to Save Our Constitution” was organized by Mat-Su United for Progress and brought out people from all around the Mat-Su.

“I was contacted by several people over the past few days asking if we were going to participate in the National Day of Protest, which is happening all over the nation,” says Dave Musgrave, who told the crowd he was reluctant at first, but with so many expressing interest, he decided to go ahead with the protest. “It was time to do this. With enough people coming together and asking for it, that tell me that you want to do it. That’s why we are here-because of you.”

People in attendance were on hand to protest DOGE (the newly –formed Department of Government Efficiency), which is headed up by Elon Musk, while others carried signs protesting the termination of federal jobs, including recently announced layoffs from the FAA and recent cuts from the Veterans Administration, advocating for the restoration of LGBTQ rights, celebrating diversity, and saving public lands.

“I’m against what’s happening in our administration. The dismantling of democracy," Debra Kicen said.

The protest brought out people from all walks, some who had never participated in any political protest before such as 66-year-old Peter Bauer, a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force who spent over 11 years as a civil servant working for NASA.

“Today is supposed to be President’s Day, and we have somebody who’s in violation of the 14th Amendment, section 3, acting as President,” he said. “He has unelected persons raiding our government offices and that’s not okay with someone who’s spent his entire adult life in service.”

For some, like Natalie Tucker, whose husband is a veteran, disabled, uses Medicare to help with his healthcare, and is suffering terminal cancer, it is more personal.

“All of those things are on the chopping block…if those things go away, he says he’s done. No more cancer treatment, no more means to pay rent and buy groceries. It’s done. It’s tearing people up," she said.

She says that the President’s actions are scarier than what many thought would happen when he was elected into office

“I think he has more people backing him with evil intentions than we thought.”

Meanwhile, many were calling for action from local citizens as well as elected officials.

“Read factual information. Pay attention. Wake up,” said Kicen.

“We must hold (public figures) accountable. We must demand transparency and integrity from those we elect,” said Allie Sargent, who spoke to the crowd. “What we need more than ever is a collective sense of accountability. Every person in the country, from the highest ranking official to everyday citizens plays a role in shaping the direction of this nation…we must remind ourselves that democracy is not a spectator sport.”

She then urged people to write to the Congressional delegation and let their voices be heard.

The protests follow a nationwide protest organized by the 50501 Movement, which stands for "50 protests. 50 states. 1 movement,” and is a grassroots movement that started on Reddit in January and has gained traction on other social media.

After rallying near the Palmer Library, the group then headed to the Glenn Highway and other local streets, where they met with the car horns honking and adding their support.

Musgrave encouraged the crowd to reach out, relate their personal stories about how the changes are affecting them to each other and to the elected officials, saying: “It’s up to us to let the people know what’s happening.”