by Wayne McNatt
Hundreds gathered outside the New Mexico State Capitol Monday afternoon to protest President Trump’s funding cuts.
The large group formed a sea of people in front of the Capitol building as part of a nationwide movement of demonstrations sweeping the country. New Mexico residents passionately voiced their displeasure with the President’s alliance with billionaire Elon Musk and the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, which has overseen the slashing of several social programs in only the first month of the administration.
“I know four people that have been directly impacted from it, that have lost their jobs already,” said protester Chris Harrel, a retired schoolteacher and Air Force veteran. “It’s hitting home here in New Mexico …and we need to do something to stop it.”
In a joint press conference with Musk last week, the president defended the department’s actions, stating, “We want to weed out the corruption,” but some fear the cuts could hurt essential programs.
“I have health care through the Affordable Care Act, my mother has insurance through Social Security and Medicare and my partner and my stepson have health insurance through Medicaid and I’m afraid that we’re all going to lose our health insurance,” said Melissa McLea.
With uncertainty looming, protesters said they want to pressure elected officials to stand up to the Trump-Musk coalition. Some held signs that said: “Hey Congress, Grow a Spine.”
While protesters chanted outside, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich addressed the joint session of the New Mexico Legislature, vowing to fight for the funding in Washington.
While Heinrich’s pledge to fight for these agencies was met with applause from some in the Roundhouse, other New Mexicans fear that the current purge of government programs by the Trump administration could have dire consequences for the state’s most vulnerable communities.
