In recently leaked audio from a Republican event in Carson City, Governor Joe Lombardo made critical remarks about anti-Trump protesters and those who oppose him on social media. During his speech at the Nevada Republican Party’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner, Lombardo used an expletive to dismiss critics and described the nationwide “Hands Off!” protests as “stupid,” suggesting they were orchestrated and funded by the Democratic Party.
Lombardo expressed skepticism about the motivations behind the protests, asserting that participants were paid rather than genuinely motivated to make a difference. He criticized the protest slogan “Hands Off,” interpreting it as indicative of a Democratic strategy focused on government handouts.
His comments were reportedly met with laughter and applause at the event. However, a spokesperson for the Nevada State Democratic Party refuted Lombardo’s claims, calling them a “desperate and pathetic lie” and emphasizing the genuine frustration among Nevadans due to economic challenges and policies from Lombardo and the Trump administration. Lombardo’s office chose not to comment on the leaked audio.