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In a moment of heightened political tension and deepening concern over federal austerity proposals, Michaelyn Mankel, Senior Organizer with Food and Water Watch, is at the center of a major grassroots effort in Iowa. Mankel is spearheading the local Hands Off protest, a coalition opposed to federal budget resolutions that critics say slash essential public programs while empowering an unelected billionaire class.
Mankel says today’s protest (Saturday) in Des Moines is expected to draw over 1,400 participants, making it one of the largest single-day actions in Iowa since the Trump inauguration.
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Will Trump and Nunn cut social security, medicaid, and medicare?
The demonstration targets Representative Zach Nunn. Mankel claims both he, Musk, and President Trump will likely cut programs Iowans rely on for survival—including SNAP, Medicaid, and Social Security. “ It goes back to this resolution that the house just passed. The budget clearly outlines cuts to both of these programs. They’re not going to be able to cut $2.2 billion in funding without touching Medicaid and social security,” says Mankel. Rep. Nunn’s spokesperson, Ashley Gutwein, who returned our request for comment, told us, he’s 100% committed to protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, adding, “The budget resolution included no specific policy to make any cuts to programs. Any suggestion to the contrary is a blatant lie.”
(Congressman Nunn’s office full response is below)
”He’s called anyone who receives benefits, part of the parasite class.” Mankel also claimed. “We don’t think that he has a legitimate role to play in governing our country and is a very dangerous actor in the White House.” Mankel emailed us an article pointing to a repost of a meme Musk made on X to verify her claim although it’s unclear which “programs” are being referenced in the joke post Musk reposted. He has been openly critical of many programs in the Government that DOGE deems wasteful, and politicians profiting from these programs.
Why 90% of America loves @DOGE 😂 pic.twitter.com/d1FEAHrx6i
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 13, 2025
What officials have said
Congressman Nunn and HHS Secretary Kennedy have both stated they are not planning to cut Medicaid or Social Security benefits. Musk has claimed DOGE, the organization he spearheads, is only making recommendations to the President of fraud and waste.
But while some political figures have defended the proposed budget cuts as efforts to curb fraud and increase efficiency, Mankel rejects that framing. “I don’t think they have demonstrated how they plan to cut fraud and abuse without taking away benefits for everyone,” she says. She points instead to the defense budget and military contracting as areas where inefficiency should be addressed first.
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Who’s Behind “Hands Off”?
According to Mankel, the protest has three central demands: that Representative Nunn publicly oppose Elon Musk’s reported influence over government operations, reverse his support for the $4.2 billion in tax cuts outlined in the recent House budget resolution, and halt what she describes as “scapegoating politics” targeting vulnerable populations, including immigrants, trans individuals, and Black Americans through DEI rollbacks.
The protest, backed by over 100 national groups including Indivisible, MoveOn, and various labor unions, has rapidly expanded in scale. Mankel initially expected a modest crowd, but says the overwhelming response reflects a broader anxiety among Iowans. “It has been very overwhelming and a lot of pressure,” she admits, but adds that the movement has grown into a space where “different constituencies who are afraid… can be unified.”
Iowans reported getting mass texts from Rapid Recruit March 29th.
The Protest: no violence, and no payments
Mankel stresses the peaceful nature of the protest, firmly stating that no participants are being paid to attend and that the group does not engage in or condone violence. When asked if the group condemns violence at other protests, she states that nonviolence is a core organizing principle.
Mankel also says the group doesn’t welcome Nazi characterizations seen at other similar events. Her hope is to start a dialogue with Congressman Nunn and goes as far to say if Nunn openly agrees to not strip Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare from people who qualify, he will be applauded.
Representative Nunn’s Official Response
Rep. Nunn’s spokesperson, Ashley Gutwein returned our request for comment:
“Rep. Zach Nunn is on a mission to deliver Iowa common sense to a broken D.C. everyday. That’s why he meets with Iowans, including at listening sessions and public forums, to hear directly from them. He’ll continue to listen to his constituents, whether they voted for him or not, to deliver wins for Iowans.”
As background: Rep. Nunn has repeatedly emphasized that while we need to rein in out-of-control government spending, we can’t do so on the backs of the Iowans who are most vulnerable. He’s 100% committed to protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Additionally, the budget resolution included no specific policy to make any cuts to programs. Any suggestion to the contrary is a blatant lie. Rep. Nunn worked with Des Moines Water Works last year to introduce the bipartisan Safe Drinking Water for Disadvantaged Communities Act, which would improve current programs that help communities replace lead water.