BUTTE, MT— Nearly 100 people gathered in front of a federal government facility in Butte on Wednesday to voice their concerns about the future of Social Security and Medicare. The rally, sparked by growing anxieties over potential cuts to these vital programs, saw participants express their fears about the possible elimination of benefits that many depend on for survival.
Among the protesters was John Stallman, who lives on Social Security disability. “I live on Social Security disability, so it’s important to me, and I see Elon Musk up on a stage with a chainsaw jumping around with such glee and hurting people that don’t need it,” said Stallman, pausing to wave at passing cars honking in support. Stallman, along with many others at the rally, cited recent comments from Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), as fueling their concerns about the future of Social Security and Medicare.
In a speech to Congress last week, President Trump described DOGE, now led by billionaire Elon Musk, as being focused on improving government efficiency. However, many at the protest interpreted these remarks as a sign that such efficiency might come at the expense of critical programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Marjorie Durkin, a retired registered nurse, expressed her fears about the consequences of cuts, particularly in rural healthcare. “I have seen the rich of the rich, I have seen the poor of the poor, and when everybody gets sick, they get sick the same way,” said Durkin. “This little tiny community cannot afford to lose Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. How will people live?” Durkin’s comments reflect widespread concerns that rural healthcare, already fragile, would be further strained by any reductions in benefits.
Nearby, Denise Holman, who did not bring a sign but cheered as cars honked in solidarity, emphasized the non-partisan nature of the issue. “Social Security is not an entitlement; it’s something that we’ve paid into,” she said. “It should be a given. You pay into Social Security. You deserve Social Security. That’s your retirement. Medicare is when you get elderly.”
Veterans’ benefits were also a major concern for some attendees. Ruth Schelin, a disabled veteran, expressed her worries about both her Social Security and veteran’s benefits. “It seems like they’re not really looking for fraud, waste, and abuse. To me, it just appears like they are looking for an excuse to get rid of benefits for people,” said Schelin, who served in the Air Force for 13 years.
MTN News reached out to Montana’s top elected officials for comment on the rally and their stance on Social Security and Medicare. A spokesperson from Senator Steve Daines’ office responded by defending the senator’s position. “Senator Daines supports Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare. He also supports efforts to address waste, fraud, and abuse in these programs—the same stance as President Trump,” the representative said, adding that the senator is in close contact with the DOGE team and believes they are doing important work identifying wasteful spending.
Senator Tim Sheehy’s office issued a similar statement, stressing Sheehy’s commitment to protecting essential resources for Montanans. “As the administration works to rein in spending and deliver government services more efficiently, Senator Sheehy will work to ensure the critical resources Montanans rely on are protected. Senator Sheehy is committed to protecting Medicaid and Social Security. Full stop,” the statement read.
Rep. Ryan Zinke’s office also issued a response, asserting that Zinke supports funding for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, and criticizing the protesters for allegedly misleading the public. “The protesters know Ryan Zinke supports these programs and are trying to intentionally mislead voters and scare people on fixed incomes,” the statement said. “It’s shameful and it’s shameful that they would protest outside a Social Security office and intimidate folks just going about their private business.”
As the rally wound down, John Stallman reflected on the need for greater empathy in addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. “I just hope that people come to realize that we need to be kinder to people,” he said, summarizing the rally’s call for solidarity and support for essential government programs.
This protest is part of a larger national conversation about the future of social safety nets and government efficiency, as both advocates and critics of current policies continue to debate the best path forward for programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
