ICYMI: Bennet Fights Back Against Trump’s Targeted Attacks on Colorado

Dec 23, 2025| Press Releases

Denver - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet slammed President Trump for canceling hundreds of millions of dollars in federal grants from the Departments of Transportation and Energy, dismantling the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), and denying Colorado's request for two emergency declarations following extreme flooding and wildfires. Before the Senate adjourned for the year, Bennet blocked the appropriations package from advancing before the holidays to demand funding to protect NCAR.

"After more than a week of targeted actions against Colorado, it's clear President Trump has turned his sights on our state because we refuse to go along with his corrupt demands," said Senator Bennet. "This holiday season, hundreds of NCAR employees face uncertainty about their jobs and communities across the state are worried they won't get the support they need to rebuild their lives after historic flooding and wildfires. Colorado deserves better, and I am doing everything in my power to fight back and protect our state from the President's vindictive chaos."

Here's how Senator Bennet is fighting for Colorado:

KKCO 11: Colorado Senator Bennet accuses Trump of retaliating against Colorado over Tina Peters

Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., is accusing President Donald Trump of taking punitive actions against Colorado that Bennet describes as political retaliation.

During a press call, Bennet criticized several recent decisions tied to the federal government's relationship with the state - including the administration's reported call to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR).

Bennet also warned of broader consequences beyond Colorado if NCAR were dismantled.

"I think that Colorado deserves much better from our federal government. Our entire country deserves better from our federal government. We will not stand by while President Trump attacks Colorado and puts our communities in danger. We'll use every tool at our disposal to fight back against this reckless political attack," he said.

Colorado Sun: Colorado's U.S. senators hold up appropriations package over NCAR's future

Colorado's U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper…put a hold on the so-called mini-bus package over the Trump administration's decision to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder.

"President Trump is attacking Colorado because we refuse to bend to his corrupt administration. His reckless decision to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research will have lasting, devastating impacts across the country," Bennet and Hickenlooper said in a joint statement.

In a social media post, Bennet, who is also running for governor, said "when Trump comes after Colorado, we don't back down, we fight back."

The Denver Post: Trump denies disaster declarations for Colorado fires, flooding: 'We won't stop fighting'

Sen. Michael Bennet called President Trump's decision to deny Colorado's request for federal assistance "unacceptable."

"Trump continues to use Coloradans for political games; it is malicious and obscene," Bennet said. "A disaster is a disaster, regardless of what state in the country it took place. Together with Governor Polis and the Colorado delegation, I will take every available step to appeal this decision."

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