'Handmaids' protest at Idaho Rep. Fulcher's office in Coeur d'Alene

COEUR d’ALENE — Donning red robes and white bonnets, not unlike those worn by women in "The Handmaid’s Tale," a group of women from Sandpoint made a statement beyond the signage they held at the corner of Ironwood Drive and Northwest Boulevard.

“Women of today will not go back to '60s standards,” the group said in a statement.

Their large hand-printed sign read “Fulcher — no friend to Idaho women,” echoing the sentiment of the several dozen protesters who gathered near Congressman Russ Fulcher’s Coeur d’Alene office Thursday. 

Many protesters had strong opinions on Fulcher’s support of the Trump administration’s Big Beautiful Bill, a proposed tax and spending package.

Congressman Fulcher appeared to be away from his office during the protest and could not be reached for comment. 

“We’re out here to preserve, against all odds, the people most likely to be disenfranchised by the 'Big Beautiful Bill,’” said Kootenai Democrats chair Evan Koch.

Koch added that he was most concerned about cuts to Medicaid.

“This will deprive a couple hundred thousand Idahoans,” Koch said.

Julie Celeberti’s concerns centered on restrictions on SNAP benefits.

“(This is) literally taking food out of the mouths of children, of Idahoans,” Celeberti said.

While many vehicles passing by honked or shouted in support of the protesters, some also voiced their dissent.

At least a few passersby shouted “go back to California” at the protesters lining Ironwood Drive.

Celeberti, however, was undeterred.

“These are desperate times,” Celeberti said.

    Protesters were all smiles outside of Congressman Russ Fulcher's office in Coeur d'Alene on Thursday.
  

    Protesters hold signs in opposition to Congressman Russ Fulcher along Ironwood Drive in Coeur d'Alene on Thursday.
  

    A woman holds a sign in opposition to cuts to SNAP benefits during Thursday's protest.