Veterans Protest Trump and Musk: Fighting for Democracy and Human Rights at the Colorado Capitol
Friday, March 14th was a special day. I had the chance to join hundreds of veterans and allies at the Colorado Capitol Building to protest the Trump/Musk administration. It was inspiring to see my fellow veterans stand up to fascism and dictatorship, support human rights, and call out the neo-Nazi cult that has taken over our government. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the event!
A United Front Against Authoritarianism
As veterans, we swore an oath to protect the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Many of us have seen firsthand what authoritarianism looks like overseas—we never imagined we’d have to fight it here at home. But when an administration openly embraces white nationalism, suppresses dissent, and weaponizes the government against its own people, our duty doesn’t end when we take off the uniform.
The protest at the Capitol was filled with voices of courage. Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Vietnam-era vets, and even those who recently separated from service stood shoulder to shoulder, sending a clear message: We will not stand by while our democracy is dismantled.
Veterans’ Rights Under Threat
Beyond the broader political concerns, veterans are facing direct threats to our healthcare, benefits, and quality of life under the Trump/Musk regime. The privatization of the VA is accelerating, making it harder for vets to access the services they’ve earned. Delays in disability claims are worsening. Mental health resources, already stretched thin, are being cut further.
Trump and his billionaire cronies continue to use veterans as political props while actively stripping away our rights. The push to deregulate financial protections has left countless veterans vulnerable to predatory lenders. Efforts to privatize Social Security could further harm disabled veterans and retirees who rely on those benefits to survive.
The Role of Billionaires in Undermining Veterans’ Futures
Elon Musk’s influence in this administration has also been particularly alarming. His anti-union stance, disdain for worker protections, and reckless involvement in artificial intelligence and military contracts put both national security and veteran employment at risk. Musk’s admiration for authoritarian figures, including those within this administration, is yet another example of unchecked billionaire power eroding the rights of everyday Americans—including those who served.
Meanwhile, the rise of crypto-schemes like DOGE, which Musk has promoted, has drawn in many veterans looking for financial stability, only to leave them exploited by market manipulation. With the administration now pushing for financial deregulation in favor of tech oligarchs, the risk of economic instability is greater than ever, disproportionately harming working-class veterans.
We Fight for Each Other
Despite the challenges, what I saw at the protest was resilience. Veterans and their allies refuse to back down. We are fighting not just for ourselves, but for the next generation, ensuring that those who serve are not discarded when they are no longer politically convenient. We are standing against a system that rewards the ultra-rich while gutting the very programs that keep veterans alive.
If you’re a veteran, a military family member, or just someone who believes in justice, now is the time to speak out. Our fight isn’t over. Democracy is worth defending, and those of us who have worn the uniform know what’s at stake.
Get Involved
Want to support veterans fighting for democracy? Here are some ways you can help:
- Donate to veterans’ advocacy groups working to protect benefits and healthcare.
- Contact your representatives and demand they oppose the privatization of the VA.
- Join protests and community actions to show solidarity.
- Help spread awareness about the threats veterans face under this administration.
We stood together in service. Now we stand together in resistance.
#VeteransAgainstFascism #DefendDemocracy #VeteransRightsNow
Keep scrolling for more photos!
