A crowd chanting, cheering and waving signs in protest of the Trump administration’s attitude toward government spending packed the sidewalks at the intersection of McCaslin Boulevard and Marshall Road Saturday in Superior.

Signs bore a variety of messages, including “Boycott Musk,” “Abolish DOGE,” and “Stop Musk, Save America.” One canine participant wore a sign proclaiming “Dogs Against DOGE.”

The protest took place outside the Tesla showroom and service center in Superior, a spot chosen to represent protesters’ concerns over Tesla chief executive officer Elon Musk. Around 200 people gathered for the demonstration that lasted from about 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Musk’s actions through what’s known as the Department of Government Efficiency, particularly his support for gutting federal agencies and firing workers, drew ire from the protesters. DOGE is a federal office under President Donald Trump tasked with slashing federal spending.

“I think the symbolism is important,” Scott Peth, who lives in Greeley, said about protesting in front of the Tesla showroom. “I’d like to see 10,000 people out here.”Peth is a science teacher and father of three. His daughter, who has cystic fibrosis, is on Medicaid and is currently on a life-saving medication that costs $200,000 a year, he said.

“The only way she can use that, the only way we can afford that, is because of Medicaid,” Peth said.

If Musk slashed the Medicaid budget to reduce federal spending, Peth said it would “destroy” his family.

“Our lives would be upended, just like tens of millions of others,” he said.

Barbara Kish, an organizer of the protest, said she was honored and overwhelmed by the turnout. Kish spread the word about the event on social media platforms including Facebook, Reddit and Bluesky.

“It doesn’t matter who you voted for — or even if you voted,” Kish said. “If things are going on that are disturbing you, we still have a right to peacefully protest, which is exactly what this is.”

Kish, who lives in Boulder County, said the protest was held on public property. She added that the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office was informed of the demonstration.

Participants were encouraged to stay off the Tesla showroom property, and the door to the showroom was locked during the protest.

Tesla workers at the Superior store declined to comment on Saturday.

Kish made a sign that read: “Defend Democracy.” She also brought an American flag to the protest.

Kish said she might organize more protests in the future but encouraged people to get involved in the meantime by calling their legislators and talking to their neighbors. She emphasized that the protest is not against Tesla drivers or employees at the Superior store but, rather, against Musk himself.

“It used to be viewed as a really great brand,” Kish said of Tesla. “The CEO of Tesla, now, is behaving in illegal and unlawful actions. I’m okay with going after fraud and waste, but going at it with this ‘chainsaw mentality’ is not okay.”

Some passing cars honked their horns in apparent solidarity with the protesters; others revved their engines to express their apparent disapproval with the demonstration. Over the noise, Louisville resident Michelle Willix shared what would happen if she lost access to Medicaid for her rheumatoid arthritis.

“I wouldn’t be able to live independently,” Willix said. “One of my medications is $15,000 a year, and that’s just one. I wouldn’t be able to afford it. I’m pretty strong and resilient, and it would topple me.”

Willix said she was humbled by how many people showed up to Saturday’s protest.

“We need to stand up for each other and for ourselves,” Willix said. “It’s just not okay what’s happening.”

East Boulder County resident Vicki Hamer came to the protest with a group of over 30 local older adults. Hamer said she has many friends and family members who rely on Social Security payments, which she is worried about losing.

“I’m out here yelling for them,” Hamer said.

Despite the office’s name, Trump didn’t create a new Cabinet-level department with DOGE but, rather, renamed the previously existing United States Digital Service, National Public Radio reported.