Moderator Pete Yonkman, the president of Cook Group and Cook Medical, mainly pressed the senator on issues affecting Indiana business.
(Devan Ridgway, WTIU)
Indiana Republican Sen. Todd Young walked a careful line Tuesday between supporting President Donald Trump’s policies and advocating course corrections as he answered questions at a Bloomington Chamber of Commerce sponsored event. Outside the Monroe Convention Center, around 100 protesters made speeches and chanted slogans against Trump’s agenda.
At the event
Moderator Pete Yonkman, the president of Cook Group and Cook Medical, mainly pressed the senator on issues affecting Indiana business.
As author of the CHIPS and Science Act, Young has prioritized research and manufacturing in Indiana. But Yonkman told him that Trump’s tariff policy (which Young said he largely supports) has already cost Cook around $175 million.
“Is this a negotiation that we just need to wait for and try to live through?” he asked.
“I agree with 90 percent of what the president’s attempting to do,” Young said. “On that 10 percent, I discreetly talk with the president and share concerns and try to bring clarity on things.”
When asked about his views on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) making cuts to federal programs, Young responded with a remark about Indiana voters.
“Let me tell you,” he said. “There aren’t many things that I’ve encountered since I’ve been an elected official that are more popular among my constituents than DOGE.”
Scattered boos emerged from the crowd. Young laughed, “Except in Bloomington.”
Young said he supports the principles of cutting costs and targeting waste, especially in the Department of Defense. But he acknowledged problems in the process.
“I don't deny that some things have been delayed. Other things have been cut that should not be,” Young said, adding that he shared his concerns with DOGE czar Elon Musk.
Young also acknowledged daylight between him and other Republicans on the balance between budget cuts and strategic investments.
“DOGE should not become an excuse not to deal with the hard stuff either. A lot of folks in my party want to do that,” Young said. “DOGE is going to save two trillion dollars? Show me! And by the way, if you claim it’s going to save two trillion, are we still investing in higher ed, research, and basic infrastructure?”
At one point during his interview, anti-Young protesters chanting outside could be heard in the ballroom.
“That’s the sound of freedom,” he said.
Protesters marched to the Monroe Convention Center, where the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce was hosting a luncheon event with Young as the speaker. (Devan Ridgway, WTIU News)
At the protests
Bloomington residents gathered at the Monroe County Courthouse as well at the convention center to protest Todd Young and the current administration.
The event started at 10 a.m. at the Courthouse, where about 50 people protested Young and his fellow Republican’s policies on social service programs, education, tariffs, and more. Josh Montagne, a student with IU Democrats, warned Young to listen to his constituents.
“This is a man who doesn't represent our beliefs, who doesn't represent our ideals or the community that we want to build in this country, in this state,” he said into a bullhorn. “This is a problem that he needs to fix, and he needs to do it right now, or we will make that fix come November.”
“I feel strongly about feeding children,” he said. “(I’m) a father of five kids. The food bank faces maybe a 20 percent decrease in funding this year, and the need just keeps going up.”
They then marched to the Monroe Convention Center, where the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce was hosting a luncheon event with Young as the speaker.
Some protesters were given a warning of trespass for demonstrating in the parking lot out back. At 12:10 p.m., a Bloomington Police Department officer informed protesters the lot was considered private property due to it being leased to the Chamber of Commerce for the event. They were asked to take their protest either to the B-Line trail or out front in the plaza of the convention center.
The protest dispersed at 12:35 p.m. without incident, though some continued their demonstration out front.
