Protesters Clash Near Bath Iron Works During Hegseth Visit

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth tours the shipyard as supporters and opponents rally outside.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Dozens of protesters lined the streets near Bath Iron Works in Maine as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited the shipyard on Monday. The protesters, numbering around 200, demonstrated against Hegseth's 'Arsenal of Freedom' tour, which aims to 'revitalize America's manufacturing might and re-energize the nation's workforce.' Meanwhile, roughly 30 supporters also gathered to show their backing for Hegseth and the administration.

Why it matters

The protest highlights the ongoing political divisions in the country, with those opposed to the administration's defense policies clashing with supporters. The demonstration also underscores the role of Bath Iron Works, a major defense contractor, in the local economy and its significance in the national security landscape.

The details

The protesters, many carrying American flags, chanted and used bullhorns to try to drown each other out near the Bath post office. Demonstrator Sue Ellen Monaghan of South Portland said she felt it was her responsibility to protest an administration 'committing war crimes.' On the other side, Liliana Thelander of Bristol waved a Trump flag in support of Hegseth, while Craig Caffrey of Bowdoinham, a 21-year armed forces veteran, said he supported President Trump and was glad he was 'removing the woke crap from the ranks.'

  • Hegseth's visit to Bath Iron Works took place on Monday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The current U.S. Secretary of Defense, visiting Bath Iron Works as part of his 'Arsenal of Freedom' tour.

Sue Ellen Monaghan

A protester from South Portland who said she felt it was her responsibility to protest an administration 'committing war crimes.'

Liliana Thelander

A protester from Bristol who was waving a Trump flag in support of Hegseth's visit.

Craig Caffrey

A 21-year armed forces veteran from Bowdoinham who said he supported President Trump and was glad he was 'removing the woke crap from the ranks.'

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What they’re saying

“I feel it is our responsibility to protest an administration that is committing war crimes against humanity. They're killing people and not giving evidence as to why they're doing it.”

— Sue Ellen Monaghan, Protester (Bangor Daily News)

“We support what Pete Hegseth is doing. He's strengthening our military.”

— Liliana Thelander, Protester (Bangor Daily News)

“I support President Trump. I'm glad he's removing the woke crap from the ranks.”

— Craig Caffrey, 21-year Armed Forces Veteran (Bangor Daily News)

What’s next

Hegseth is scheduled to give a speech at Bath Iron Works at 2 p.m. following his tour of the facility.

The takeaway

The protest outside Bath Iron Works highlights the deep political divisions in the country, with supporters and opponents of the administration's defense policies clashing over the role of the military-industrial complex and the use of force abroad. The demonstration underscores the importance of Bath Iron Works to the local economy and national security, as well as the ongoing debate over the appropriate use of American military power.