Residents of the Lake Region join millions gathering around the country, world for Day of Action
On Saturday, April 5, all across the United States and much of the world, “Hands Off” protests were held to speak out against the government layoffs and tariffs instituted by President Donald Trump and DOGE founder Elon Musk. The protests even made their way here to Devils Lake. Outside the Lake Region Heritage Center Saturday morning, around 40-50 protestors gathered signs, an American flag, and their loud voices to be heard of their displeasure over the current administration.
Protestors urged onlookers to honk their horns and marched around downtown to get as many eyes and ears on their message as possible. The protestors took their demonstration in clear view of the live NDTC camera at 4th Avenue and 4th Street to get seen on the frigid morning.
Gary Conkins brought with him an American flag to wave in the air for the protest. “We came out to defend democracy. A lot of us don’t like what’s going on right now,” he said. “I don’t like the fact that Donald Trump thinks he’s a king. We have processes, and our representatives aren’t representing us right now.”
Conkins said regarding Trump’s recent initiation of tariffs, “there’s no need for [them.]”
“What it’s doing, what it’s going to do to our local economy, especially our farming community. It goes right down to Main Street where we’re standing. It’s going to affect everything.”
Eileen Tabert, who is originally from Devils Lake but now lives in Salt Lake City, helped organize the demonstration through social media.
“It’s a national day of action… It’s a mass mobilization of people to stand up against those who believe they can take away our rights as U.S. citizens,” she said.
Tabert said she had recently visited the Social Security office in South Salt Lake City, which has 23 offices. She said only five people were working, which resulted in her having to wait in line for hours for an address change.
“It’s not about right versus left. It’s more about right versus wrong,” she said. “I believe what’s happening by the current administration is just wrong.”
Tabert added that one of the actions she’d like to see is getting rid of Elon Musk.
“He was not elected by the people.”
Other protests happened throughout North Dakota, including in Fargo, Grand Forks, and Bismarck. It is estimated that 3 million demonstrators participated nationwide.
