On Saturday, a crowd in Minot took to Broadway with signs, voices, and a message: pay attention. As part of a national ‘Hands Off!’ movement, about 250 locals joined others across the country to protest what they see as overreach from the Trump administration and its allies in Washington. From concerns about Social Security and Medicare to frustrations over economic policies and tariffs, the mood was clear—people want their leaders to hear them, and they’re willing to show up to say it.
The full comments shared by organizer Denise Dykeman at the outset of the protest are provided below.
My name is Denise Dykeman, President of the Plum Valley League of Women Voters. I’m joined by my co-organizers David Gibson and Shaydora Todd of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition.
Thank you all for being here today, standing alongside hundreds of thousands of people across the nation, united to defend our benefits, our rights, and the very essence of our democracy!
We have gathered here for one reason: to demand change and hold those in power accountable. Our three core demands reflect the deepening frustration with Trump’s destructive approach to power and policy:
End the Billionaire Takeover
Trump, empowered by Congress and Elon Musk, head of the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency,” are not just dismantling public services—they’re handing over our national systems to billionaires. They’re consolidating power, stripping away what belongs to us all.
Stop the Cuts to Critical Programs
Trump’s proposed budget cuts are not about eliminating “waste and fraud” as he claims. These cuts threaten essential programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid—programs that millions of working-class Americans rely on. These aren’t just numbers on a ledger—they are lifelines for those who need them most.
Protect Marginalized Communities
Across the country, federal policies are targeting immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, transgender people, and other vulnerable groups. Their rights are under direct assault, and we will not stand by and let this happen.
This is not business as usual and our elected officials need to listen to and stick up for hardworking American people. This is a national crisis—and we refuse to stay silent.
The message behind our movement is clear: Hands off our benefits, our rights, and our democracy! Together, we are unstoppable.
