Idaho Rakes in Millions from Gadsden Plate, Uses Funds to Tread Harder

Lawmakers are shocked the plan has gone awry.

Boise, ID — In a twist that even the Founding Fathers might’ve side-eyed, the state of Idaho announced this week it has made millions in revenue from its new “Don’t Tread on Me” Gadsden flag license plates — and is using the cash windfall to dramatically expand the government’s ability to, well, tread.

Launched as a tribute to personal liberty, rugged independence, and the God-given right to tailgate in a lifted diesel without government interference, the bright yellow plates featuring the iconic coiled snake have become a runaway hit. Idahoans snapped up the plates by the thousands, eager to slap a little rebellion on their bumpers and let Big Brother know they’re not to be messed with.

“Idahoans spoke loud and clear,” said DMV Commissioner Randy Hisselflinger. “They want freedom. And thanks to their $35 annual plate fees, we now have the budget to surveil that freedom more efficiently than ever.”

According to the state’s press release, the first round of plate sales funded:

• 35 new state troopers equipped with tactical gear and free gym memberships

• 3 surplus MRAPs (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles), “just in case protests get spicy”

• Over 1,000 new traffic cameras, including the innovative SnakeCam™, which automatically scans Gadsden plates for signs of dissent

• A state-run Freedom Integrity Monitoring System (FIMS), designed to cross-reference social media posts with plate registrations

Governor Brad Little praised the program, calling it “a shining example of Idahoans funding their own surveillance in the name of liberty.”

Critics, however, have raised concerns. “It’s ironic,” said Blaine Buckhalter of the Idaho Tread Lightly Coalition. “People bought these plates to express anti-government sentiment, and the state used that money to become even more of what they claim to fear. It’s like buying a ‘No Spying’ t-shirt from the NSA gift shop.”

Supporters remain unfazed. “I don’t care what the money’s used for,” said Stanley Crump of Twin Falls, who owns four trucks, each proudly displaying the coiled snake. “I just want people to know I love freedom. Especially when I’m doing 90 in a construction zone.”

When asked whether the state saw any contradiction in the plate’s message and the resulting surveillance expansion, a spokesperson paused, then replied, “Don’t tread on the revenue stream.”

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