A few dozen Jackson residents joined worldwide protests on Friday and took to Town Square for a May Day demonstration to denounce billionaires and the Trump administration.
No one interviewed called out specific Jackson Hole billionaires by name. But prioritizing wealthy people has put more pressure on those in lower tax brackets, many said.
The May Day protest on Jackson’s Town Square drew a few dozen. (Evan Robinson-Johnson / KHOL)
International Workers’ Day has long held significance for 77-year-old Laurel “Bru” Wicks. But her broad frustration with the Trump administration and particularly its aggressive approach to immigration, has Wicks even more concerned this year.
“What’s going on in our country is extremely traumatic and unnerving and illegal, and will affect all of our futures,” she told KHOL.
Her sign read: “Witness, Document, and Remember.” Her friend Ashley Grella wondered how much more disruption it will take for voters to move in a different direction.
“I don’t know what the line will be for certain people, but [President Trump] has crossed so many,” she said.
Last week’s Supreme Court ruling eroding the Voting Rights Act was the latest blow to Jackson residents whose frustrations with the Trump administration have been mounting.
Sydney Baker said the working class is hurt by an administration full of fascist dorks.
“Billionaires profiting and working-class people suffering is intrinsically connected. You can’t have one without the other.”
The 33-year-old was joined by guitar players and a familiar cast from No Kings rallies past. Across the country and the world, demonstrators pushed back against policies that prioritize the ultrawealthy — such as tax breaks.
States like Washington and California have moved this year to pass taxes on millionaires and billionaire taxes. Wyoming has no income tax and Jackson Hole has garnered national attention for being an enclave for the wealthiest Americans. The average studio apartment is north of $3,000.
Tris Dunn said her worries about the ultra-wealthy keep her up at night.
“They’re not taxed, they are prioritized, they seem to have so much control over our government,” she said.
Others highlighted the war in Iran, gas and grocery prices and the loss of healthcare support — all of which is putting pressure on workers.
