NORMAN, Okla.–Despite icy roads across town on Thursday morning, Norman residents gathered outside Representative Tom Cole’s office to protest what they say is the growing influence of billionaire Elon Musk in government decisions—with former President Donald Trump allowing it.
“As your constituents, we wish to present our serious concerns with President Trump and his administration’s conduct during the three weeks he has been in office, especially in relation to the activities of Elon Musk,” read a letter delivered to Cole’s office, signed by dozens of community members.
The letter, organized by Norman activist Aysha Prather, Cynthia Teague and other concerned citizens, demands accountability and transparency regarding Musk’s political entanglements and influence.
Tom Cole faces Norman protest
The protest, fueled by frustrations over Musk’s reported involvement in federal policy decisions, was a direct response to what activists see as a larger issue of corporate overreach in democracy.
While Trump’s relationship with Musk has sparked concern at the national level, Norman residents made it clear they are determined to advocate for progressive leadership locally.
Norman choose progress over politics
Norman has recently experienced a political shift, electing an entirely Democratic and progressive slate of candidates at the city level in the recent election in February. Leading that charge is newly elected Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman, who has vowed to keep the city focused on people over corporate interests.
Holman and other progressive leaders in Norman have signaled strong support for initiatives that prioritize working-class concerns, a stark contrast to the federal government’s perceived coziness with billionaires.
“Regardless of who you voted for, if you have an issue in Norman that is important, that you need someone to talk to about, that I will be a mayor who will listen to everybody,” Holman said. “I will take your issue seriously.”
Despite the treacherous weather, citizens remained steadfast in their call for action. If billionaires can hijack democracy with no oversight, then the system isn’t broken—it’s rigged, protesters say. And Norman’s residents aren’t about to let that slide.
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