John Curtis: Stand Up to Trump & Protect Democracy
On Monday, March 17, ahead of Rep. John Curtis’ lecture at BYU, a crowd gathered outside to send a clear message: Utahns want Curtis to stand up to Trump and defend democracy. The rally, made up of BYU students, professors, Provo residents, and even people who traveled from Salt Lake and Utah counties, called on Curtis to push back against Trump’s escalating attacks on the Constitution, the rule of law, and congressional authority.
As Curtis arrived for his 11 AM lecture, attendees held signs reading "Protect Democracy!" and waved American flags. While Curtis has occasionally positioned himself as moderate, many at the rally felt he hasn’t done enough to resist Trump’s extreme agenda. Rally organizer Megan Stevenson said her inspiration for the event came from her own family.
"My Mom and Dad planned a protest outside the White House on Presidents Day. They’ve been lifelong conservatives, but Trump changed everything for them," she explained. "When I heard Curtis was coming to BYU, I thought—this is our chance to tell him directly that he needs to do much, much more to stand against dishonesty, attacks on the rule of law, and the chaotic dismantling of American democracy."
For some, showing up was about making their voices heard. Jayne Connolly described feeling “forgotten and unimportant” by her federal representation during a time of “immense executive overreach.” Another long-time Provo resident put it bluntly: "I have lived in Utah for over 50 years. I have voted red for years. But what the Trump administration is doing is not American."
Why the Rally? Trump’s Power Grabs & Legal Chaos
Trump’s recent moves have sparked constitutional challenges, lawsuits, and outright defiance of federal laws—yet many Republican lawmakers, including Curtis, have remained silent. From attempting to freeze congressional spending to unilaterally restructuring federal agencies, Trump’s actions are testing the limits of executive power.
Attacks on Checks & Balances
Trump has repeatedly tried to bypass Congress’ power of the purse, blocking funding for infrastructure, foreign aid, and climate initiatives. His legal team is challenging the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which prevents a president from withholding money approved by Congress.
Immigration Crackdowns Without Legal Authority
His proposed end to birthright citizenship contradicts the 14th Amendment, and his plan to send migrants to Guantánamo Bay raises serious due process concerns.
Rolling Back Civil Rights & LGBTQ+ Protections
Executive orders banning transgender women from women’s prisons, rolling back LGBTQ+ recognition in federal documents, and limiting gender-affirming care for minors have already led to multiple court challenges.
Ignoring Congressional Laws & International Agreements
Trump has refused to enforce Congress’ TikTok ban, withdrew from the WHO and Paris Climate Accords without congressional approval, and defied bipartisan laws regulating international sanctions.
These aren’t just policy disputes—they’re threats to core American principles of checks and balances, human rights, and legal precedent. Rally-goers made it clear: Curtis must take a stand.
Will Curtis Answer the Call?
Rep. Curtis has branded himself as a pragmatic conservative, but the message at this rally was clear: silence is complicity.
As one attendee put it: "Principle over Party."
With Trump’s legal battles mounting and his grip on the GOP tightening, Curtis faces a choice: stand for democracy or fall in line with an increasingly authoritarian agenda. His constituents are watching—and they expect him to act.
Rally organizers emphasized that this wasn’t about attacking Curtis personally, but about challenging him to show courage. "We want him to be the crack that breaks Trump’s chokehold on the Republican Party," Stevenson said.