Zornio: Michael Bennet and Phil Weiser are leading the fight against Trump in Colorado. Polis and Hickenlooper are not.

In what can only be described as two weeks of chaos, President Trump’s second term is off to a disastrous start. Thankfully, some of Colorado’s leaders are joining the good fight.

Sadly, others are not.

Among the state’s early top fighters are U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and state Attorney General Phil Weiser. Both have become a force to reckon with.

Bennet’s most notable moment came during a recent Senate confirmation hearing where he humiliated Trump’s nominee for Health and Human Services, RFK Jr. This included Bennet cornering the nominee into admitting he believed Lyme disease is “highly likely” an engineered bioweapon by the military, a patently absurd conspiracy theory, along with multiple other conspiratorial beliefs that should be immediately disqualifying.

Bennet also grilled Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick for Director of National Intelligence, along with other nominees, the common theme being that in a nation of over 330 million people, these can hardly be the best folks we can find. It’s a very true and sad reflection on the state of affairs in D.C.

Yet despite his successes, Bennet has not been perfect. Along with his junior colleague Sen. John Hickenlooper, Bennet also made a highly questionable decision to back climate-skeptic and oil and gas enthusiast Chris Wright for the role of Energy Secretary.

Support for Wright is likely due to both senators’ longstanding — and controversial — backing of the oil and gas sector, along with the desire for a Coloradan to be among Trump’s leadership. It could also be a move made out of picking one’s battles. Whatever the reason, this was clearly a misstep that could have important ramifications for public health and the environment.

On the other hand, Phil Weiser’s strong moves against the Trump agenda have been consistent from Day 1. This includes joining in legal action to block the blatantly unconstitutional executive order banning birthright citizenship, along with suggesting he’s ready to file “on a half-dozen fronts, from environmental protections and abortion medication to immigration status and deportations.” This puts Weiser front and center in the battle to preserve Coloradans’ rights and democracy, which is no doubt a boon for his candidacy for governor in 2026.

Another surprising pro-democracy voice included newcomer Rep. Jeff Hurd of Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, who in a gutsy move was one of the few Republicans nationally to speak out against the president’s sweeping pardons related to January 6. It remains to be seen if Hurd will continue to take a stand against Trump, although it seems unlikely based on his overall positions. But given his right-leaning district has nearly tipped Democratic twice due to recent Republican extremism, it might be a smart strategy politically speaking, not to mention morally.

Two Colorado voices are conspicuously missing from the anti-Trump movement, although who they are should surprise no one. The first is Hickenlooper. Compared to Bennet, he simply isn’t pulling his weight, and it’s disappointing to say the least.

Yes, Hickenlooper is largely in line with Democrats in opposition to Trump, and his team is helping some behind the scenes, including attempts to understand the impact of funding cuts to local research. But vocally, Hickenlooper is largely MIA.

This approach tracks with Hickenlooper’s overall approach to leadership. Never one to rock the boat even when he should, Hickenlooper notoriously avoids conflict, often choosing to stay silent publicly even in the face of real challenges. Perhaps at times this works, but when it comes to Trump, this must change. Silence can be mistaken for implicit support, and Coloradans need both of our senators to lead, not just follow, when it comes to defending our rights and democracy.

The second absentee is Gov. Jared Polis. Not only has Polis voiced support for RFK Jr. among his many other anti-science takes, but as my colleague points out, Polis is already normalizing an abnormal presidency in a variety of ways. This includes raising the state flag from half staff for the late Jimmy Carter to full staff for Trump’s inauguration, as well as welcoming Trump’s help in ICE raids. Both moves are unprecedented and frankly shameful for a supposed Democrat, although not surprising given Polis’ past.

Here again, Coloradans deserve more decisive leadership. We are not, have never been and will never be a Trump state. Our leaders should strongly reflect this sentiment.

So thanks to those who are already standing up, and to those still sitting down, it’s time to get in the fight.

Trish Zornio is a scientist, lecturer and writer who has worked at some of the nation’s top universities and hospitals. She’s an avid rock climber and was a 2020 candidate for the U.S. Senate in Colorado.

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