A crowd of nearly a hundred protesters gathered outside Phil Long Music Hall in Colorado Springs on Friday night to voice their opposition to Steve Bannon’s keynote address at the Colorado Republican Party’s Centennial Dinner fundraiser. The event, which faced multiple relocations due to public backlash, ultimately proceeded under heavy security.
Public Backlash and Event Relocation
The controversy surrounding Bannon’s participation began well before the evening’s gala. The former Trump Administration strategist, known for his far-right views and recent imprisonment, was announced as the event’s headliner—prompting outrage from local advocacy groups, progressive organizations, and concerned citizens.
Initially scheduled to take place at the Denver Tech Center, the venue was later moved to The Antlers Hotel in downtown Colorado Springs. However, in response to significant public pressure, The Antlers Hotel also withdrew its support, forcing a second relocation. The Colorado GOP eventually settled on Phil Long Music Hall, a well-known venue for conservative events on the northern side of the city.
“The fact that the Colorado GOP thinks inviting someone who throws Nazi salutes and is a convicted felon for fraud, for bilking the government, is a suitable keynote speaker at their gala is appalling, frankly,” said protester Ellen Buckley, who traveled from Westminster to attend the demonstration.
Security Measures and Press Restrictions
With tensions running high, Colorado Springs Police Department officers were deployed to maintain order as attendees arrived for the gala. Members of the press were notably barred from entering the venue, heightening concerns about transparency. When contacted by phone, Colorado GOP events coordinator Eric Grossman declined to provide a comment regarding the decision to exclude media representatives.
Vice Chairman of the Denver Republican Party, Hugo Chavez-Rey, dismissed the criticism from protestors as politically motivated.
“All they want to do is shout the same two words: Nazis and fascists. That’s the only thing they know. Everybody’s a Nazi and everybody’s a fascist if you don’t agree with them,” Chavez-Rey said while observing the demonstrations before entering the event.
Bannon’s Controversial Background
Bannon remains a divisive figure in American politics. As a prominent strategist behind Trump’s 2016 election victory, he played a crucial role in shaping the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. However, his White House tenure was short-lived, as he was dismissed in August 2017 amid internal conflicts.
More recently, Bannon made headlines after serving a four-month prison sentence for contempt of Congress due to his refusal to comply with a subpoena during the investigation into the January 6th U.S. Capitol attack. Despite past tensions with Donald Trump, Bannon continues to command a strong following among Trump’s grassroots supporters and has even suggested that Trump should run for a third term in 2028—a statement that has sparked additional controversy.
Adding to his notoriety, Bannon was widely criticized last month for appearing to give a Nazi salute during a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). While Bannon has dismissed the allegations, calling the gesture a simple wave, the incident further fueled opposition to his appearance in Colorado.
Colorado GOP Stands Firm Despite Protests
Despite the mounting criticism, the Colorado Republican Party defended its decision to feature Bannon as its keynote speaker. In a statement on its official Facebook page, the party framed the event as a battle against left-wing activists:
“Radical Democrats are trying desperately to disrupt and cancel our event, but we won’t let them. Together, we will beat back the radical leftists who are trying to silence our voices.”
The sentiment echoes broader national political tensions, with Republicans frequently accusing Democrats of attempting to censor conservative voices.
Protesters’ Message: “Bannon Does Not Represent Colorado”
Protesters outside the event held signs and chanted slogans denouncing Bannon’s ideology and the GOP’s embrace of controversial figures. Many attendees expressed concerns over the mainstream acceptance of far-right rhetoric within the party.
“This is not just about Bannon,” said protester Lisa Martinez from Colorado Springs. “It’s about the GOP normalizing extremism. If we don’t speak out, this kind of rhetoric becomes the standard.”
The demonstration remained largely peaceful, though heated verbal exchanges occurred between protesters and some event attendees.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Colorado’s Political Landscape
Bannon’s presence at the Centennial Dinner comes at a pivotal time for the Colorado Republican Party, which is set to elect new leadership on Saturday. The event’s controversy highlights the deepening ideological divide within the party—between more traditional conservatives and those embracing a MAGA-aligned populist approach.
The outcome of Saturday’s leadership vote could signal whether the Colorado GOP continues to align with Trump-era politics or seeks a more moderate direction heading into future elections.
Conclusion: A Polarizing Evening in Colorado Politics
As the night concluded, it was clear that the event had further entrenched political divisions rather than bridging them. Protesters left disappointed but resolute, while Republican attendees framed the evening as a victory against “cancel culture.”
Whether Bannon’s controversial appearance will help or hurt the party’s long-term prospects in a swing state like Colorado remains to be seen. One thing is certain—his presence left an undeniable mark on the state’s political conversation.
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