Lang
4/5/25
Thousands of people were estimated to take part in Saturday’s “Hands Off” Iowa City rally.
Similar rallies were held nationwide to condemn the recent actions of President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. Among those taking part were civil rights organizations, labor unions, LBGTQ+ advocates, and military veterans.
The Iowa City rally took place on Iowa Avenue between Clinton and Dubuque Streets, with protesters filling the street for about three hours.
Among the targets of the demonstrators were the Trump administration’s handling of government downsizing, the economy, immigration and human rights. Speakers included State Sen. Janice Weiner of Iowa City, Rep. Adam Zabner of Iowa City, and Johnson County Supervisor Mandi Remington. Other speakers included employees from the United States Postal Service, the Iowa City VA hospital, and the Iowa City Public Library. All three face budget cuts due to recent actions from Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which is not an official government agency.
