Republican Senator Faces Angry Protesters, Questions in Red State

Angry protesters greeted a Republican senator ahead of his address to the Alaska legislature as politicians on both sides of the aisle face backlash from voters on a number of issues two months into the second Trump administration.

Why It Matters

Republicans holding town halls just weeks after President Donald Trump’s second administration found a hostile reception from some voters and attendees who demanded answers about cuts made by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an unofficial department created through executive order.

Democrats looked to seize upon the anger against Republicans with their own town halls, but attendees demanded action from the party—namely, that they show some “fight” against Trump after calling him a threat to democracy.

What To Know

Alaska Beacon reported that dozens of protesters showed up ahead of Senator Dan Sullivan’s visit to the Alaska State Capitol on Thursday for his annual address to the Legislature.

The protesters had signs that included such lines as “You work for us not Trump,” “Treat Canada like our friend, not our enemy,” and “No Kings.”

The protesters shouted until Sullivan’s arrival, falling silent as Sullivan walked past them. Sullivan looked at the signs they held and then entered the House chamber without stopping, according to the Alaska Beacon.

The demonstrators dispersed after Sullivan entered the chamber but spoke to reporters before leaving and listed concerns they wanted to raise with him, such as the impact of federal cuts on Alaskan communities and industries and the impact of perceived executive overreach.

They also took issue with Sullivan’s decision not to hold town halls, which he may have done on the advice of Republican leadership: House Speaker Mike Johnson argued that the angry voters at various town halls were instead professional protesters and that the party had no obligation to “give them a platform.”

In his address to the Legislature, Sullivan praised Trump and his administration while downplaying concerns about cuts to spending and jobs across the federal government.

He also sidestepped the question of town halls by calling his address to elected officials “the ultimate town hall” and saying that he could not attend town hall events on short notice, even 96 hours, which was “not realistic” for him.

Sullivan also questioned whether town halls achieved any “constructive engagement,” claiming they ultimately devolve into “screaming and yelling and viral moments that they want to send out to their colleagues.

“It’s not necessarily the most constructive way to do what I just did in there,” he said, referring to his speech to the Legislature.

What People Are Saying

President Donald Trump, on Truth Social: “Paid ‘troublemakers’ are attending Republican Town Hall Meetings. It is all part of the game for the Democrats, but just like our big LANDSLIDE ELECTION, it’s not going to work for them!”

House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters: “We’ve seen this movie before. They’re professional protesters. So why would we give them a forum to do that right now?

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, last week on X, formerly Twitter: “People want to make their voices heard, but their congressmen are hiding in Washington and refusing to do town halls. I’m going to join Democrats across the country to show up where Republicans aren’t.”

What Happens Next

Democrats commenced a program of town halls in Republican districts, seeking to provide an outlet for voter frustration. However, protests have ramped up against both parties as voters seek answers and progress.