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News Extra 4.7.2025: Big crowd shows up for Hands Off rally in downtown Sioux City

RyanMelton
Democrat Ryan Melton, of Webster City, speaks at the Hands Off rally that drew about 300 people in downtown Sioux City, on Saturday, April 5, 2025. (Bret Hayworth, Siouxland Public Media News)

Many large Hands Off rallies took place across the country on Saturday.

In downtown Sioux City, about 300 people chanted and carried signs that were critical of actions taken by President Donald Trump over recent weeks.

Gathering on the outdoor grounds of the Sioux City Public Museum, people cheered as some passing drivers honked in support of the rally.

Some of the signs and speakers referenced cuts made by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, to federal programs that deliver health care, housing, and more.

Ryan Melton is a Democrat who has unsuccessfully run in the last two Iowa 4th congressional district contests.

"We are here because we care, we give a damn, and, as much as they try to make us afraid of speaking the truth, we are going to keep doing it. That's right. We are going to keep on doing it, right?" Melton said, to applause. (13 SECS)

The people represented a wide range of ages. They also spoke about fears that Social Security benefits could be reduced.

Bret Hayworth is a native of Northwest Iowa and graduate of the University of Northern Iowa with nearly 30 years working as an award-winning journalist. He enjoys conversing with people to tell the stories about Siouxland that inform, entertain, and expand the mind, both daily in SPM newscasts and on the weekly show What's The Frequency.
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