A few hundred people showed up for Denver’s March for Truth rally at Commons Park Saturday, calling for greater transparency regarding President Donald Trump’s relationship with Russia.
The protest was a mix of politically charged speeches, a march through the streets and a concert as protesters sang newly created activist songs, such as “Let the Country See Your Taxes” to the tune of “She’ll Be Coming Around the Mountain” and “We Shall Find the Truth” to the tune of “We Shall Not Be Moved.”
The demonstration also served as campaign rallies for Democratic hopefuls State Rep. Joe Salazar, State Sen. Andy Kerr and 18-year-old Tay Anderson, who are running for seats in the Attorney General’s Office, U.S. House of Representative and Denver Public Schools Board of Education, respectively.
Many of the speakers and attendees called for Trump to release his tax returns, speculating that they could be hiding potential debts to Russia, other foreign countries and special interest groups. The White House has already stated that the president will not release past returns, saying that he is being audited by the IRS. The administration has not provided evidence of the audit.
Trump’s hidden tax returns were concerning to 54-year-old Wendy Dickerson, who made the three-hour drive from Wheatland, Wyoming, to attend the protest. It’s her first but she had to come because Trump’s “just got me so mad.”
While holding a sign that read “Trump Lies Matter,” Dickerson said her mother supports the president, causing contention between the two.
“I love seeing people get together to fight for the truth,” she said of the protest. “I’ve got to do it because his supporters will not see the truth no matter how many facts you put in front of them.”
As was the case with previous protests, speakers urged people to remain politically active and to vote in the 2018 election. They also called on the media to more aggressively report on politicians and told the crowd to be cognisant of what media they consume and what they share on social media.
Marches for Truth took place across the country, including Washington, D.C., New York and Boston.