How Trump's close eye on Colorado is upending the state
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In the first days of Donald Trump's second presidency, Colorado has been hit by an unprecedented wave of executive orders that has upended the state's political and legal landscape.
The big picture: In less than two weeks, President Trump has already begun reshaping Colorado in his quest to punish blue-led strongholds and push the limits of executive power.
Zoom in: Denver Mayor Mike Johnston's defiance against Trump's deportation agenda appears to have broadened the bull's-eye on Colorado's back.
What he's saying: "I don't have regrets," Johnston told Axios Denver in an interview this week, acknowledging his vocal opposition has drawn backlash from Washington.
- Denver will "collaborate on common-sense priorities" but will "stand our ground if our residents are under threat," he said. "We're not going to be bullied" or "blackmailed."
State of play: Here's how Trump has shaken Denver and the state in just 12 days:
⚖️ Legal battles escalate — Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser launched a legal blitz against Trump's executive orders, including the president's attempts to ban birthright citizenship and freeze federal funding.
🚨 Federal immigration raids loom — Aurora is facing threats of ICE crackdowns; Buckley Space Force Base has been prepped to detain and process "criminal aliens;" and schools, hospitals and churches are readying their responses to possible mass deportations.
- Meanwhile, Denver activated social services and foster care support in anticipation of parents being detained or deported, Johnston told reporters this week.
🔎 Federal scrutiny intensifies — A U.S. House committee has opened an investigation into Denver's sanctuary city policies, and Johnston was called to testify before Congress over the city's immigration stance.
🏥 Health care under pressure — Denver Health paused performing gender-affirming surgeries for trans youth out of fear of losing federal funding, 9News reports.
🎓 Higher education shifts course — The University of Colorado system quietly deleted its diversity, equity and inclusion webpage, per CPR.
🎒 Public schools under federal review — The U.S. Department of Education is investigating Denver Public Schools over an all-gender bathroom at East High School.
💼 Federal workers face upheaval — Tens of thousands of federal employees in Colorado are being offered buyouts and grappling with executive orders freezing hiring, ending remote work and closing DEI offices.
💸 Financial shockwaves reverberate — Trump's attempt to freeze federal grants and assistance programs threw state agencies, city governments, nonprofits and health care providers into chaos.
The bottom line: In a matter of days, Colorado has become a battleground for Trump's sweeping power plays.